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LP
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UP 2014-006LP
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Soul Safari started as a blog to showcase the music of Africa with a strong emphasis on South Africa. Now in its sixth year, Soul Safari is proud to present the third volume of the compilation Township Jive & Kwela Jazz, a collection of rare gems originally released as shellac 78s in the period 1960-1965 in South Africa. On this third volume, the selection features the gorgeous close harmony vocal groups singing in the tradition of American R&B and doo-wop, but always with that typical South African swing and sung in the Zulu or Xhosa languages. DJ Eddy de Clercq, who initiated this compilation, also selected a few tunes that stand for the transition from early jive to mbaqanga, a most democratic vocal style characterized by the typical "groaning," a form of call-and-answer between the male leader (groaner) and female singers. Mbaqanga would follow up jive as the popular vocal music from 1965 onwards. Kwela jazz knew many variations in which the original instrument, the penny whistle was traded in for accordion, violin, even a melodica, an instrument that also became widely popular in Jamaica. Similarities with uptempo ska can be heard in tunes by Kid Ma Wrong Wrong and Bra Sello, featured on this compilation. Again, an exciting selection of rare recordings from the heyday of South African jive & kwela. True musical treasures from a long-gone past.
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