The Indestructible Beat of Soweto

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This is possibly one of the most important collections of South African music to be released off the continent. Before Paul Simon, Sting, and Peter Gabriel started their explorations and exploitations of African music, this stunning set of music was already out there showing the world how it was done in South Africa's townships. Now well-known names like Ladysmith Black Mambazo (before they did candy commercials) and the growling Mahlathini were given their first international hearing. But the real gems are the sounds we never got to hear on Graceland: the raw mandolin and fiddle of Moses Mchunu, the wonderful jive vocals of Amaswazi Emvelo, the loping swing in the voice of Nancy Sedibe, and the fat guitar grooves of Johnson Mkhalali and his band. The collection is a gem, a representation of what was happening on the radio and in the dance clubs of Soweto in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as mbaqanga swept through the country and took everyone with it. --Louis Gibson

The Indestructible Beat of Soweto,Various Artists,Shanachie,80's,Africa,African Collections,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Mbaqanga,Mbube,Pop,South Africa,South African Pop,Soweto,Township Jazz,World,World Music,Worldbeat
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Prolific Praise is not enough.
  • Classic Hits of South African Pop
  • The Blues of South Africa
  • Africa Rocks Out=;-]
  • One of The Greats of the 80s
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
South AfricaSouth Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
AfricaAfrica | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
1980s1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music
1980-19891980-1989 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
AfricaAfrica | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000000DW2
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Can You Pay Lobola For Me - Udokotela Shange Namajaha
  2. Daughter In Law - Nelcy Sedibe
  3. Fair Fight - Umahlathini Nabo
  4. The Man In The Black Coat - Amaswazi Emvelo
  5. The Stream Of Music - Mahlathini, Nezintombi, Zomgqashiyo & The Makgona Tsohle Band
  6. We Will Get Them - Udokotela Shange Namajaha
  7. Leave Him Alone - Moses Mchunu
  8. Just Stop And Listen - Amaswazi Emvelo
  9. We Are Waiting For You - Nganeziyamfisa No Khambalomvaleliso
  10. I Have Made Up My Mind - Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgoashiyo
  11. Joyce No.2 - Johnson Mkhalali
  12. Here Is The Money - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Amazon.com

This is possibly one of the most important collections of South African music to be released off the continent. Before Paul Simon, Sting, and Peter Gabriel started their explorations and exploitations of African music, this stunning set of music was already out there showing the world how it was done in South Africa's townships. Now well-known names like Ladysmith Black Mambazo (before they did candy commercials) and the growling Mahlathini were given their first international hearing. But the real gems are the sounds we never got to hear on Graceland: the raw mandolin and fiddle of Moses Mchunu, the wonderful jive vocals of Amaswazi Emvelo, the loping swing in the voice of Nancy Sedibe, and the fat guitar grooves of Johnson Mkhalali and his band. The collection is a gem, a representation of what was happening on the radio and in the dance clubs of Soweto in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as mbaqanga swept through the country and took everyone with it. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Prolific Praise is not enough........2007-03-13

Amazing. Brilliant. Charming. Dazzling. Edifying.
Fantastic. Grand. Heroic. Incredible. Jubilant. Kingly. Lovely. Magnificent. Noble. Outstanding. Peerless. Quintessential. Rapturous. Sublime. Terrific. Unique. Vigorous. Wonderful. Xylophonic (kinda). Yellow (at least that guy's pants on the cover). Zigguratworthy (that is, to be revered atop such a structure).

Well, Paul Simon ain't nothin' to me, but this album absolutely ranks among the most amazing and adored of all my collection, which is prodigious.

Dig it!

And please dance, or there's really something wrong with you. Go see a doctor. Or a priest...

5 out of 5 stars Classic Hits of South African Pop.......2007-01-07

One of the first compilations of South African pop released in the US, this CD introduced a whole generation to the marvels of Afro-pop. It was also the first of the 'Indestructible Beat of Soweto' series, which went on to showcase the incredible diversity, vibrancy and raw emotion of South African pop. Even today, more than a decade later, this CD is still has an essential place in any collection of African music worthy of the name. Township, Jive, Mbaqanga. Whatever you call it, this stuff presents a snapeshot of the early music pop music scene amongst the Zulu, Swazi and Sotho. Naturally, Ladysmith Black Mambazo makes an appearance in this compilation, but so do a number of less familiar, but equally talented artists, such as Mahalathini Nezintombi Zomgoashiyo, Umahlathini Nabo, Amaswazi Emvelo, Johnson Mkhalali, and many others. It may seem a bit dated today, with many new artists, innovations and styles that have come and gone in South Africa since this CD first came out, but the 'Indestructible Beat of Soweto' series is still pretty essential. If your a fan of African music and don't own this, you should be ashamed of yourself. Go out an buy a copy now. And if you've just become interested in African music, perhaps after listening to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' (which introduced many western listeners to South African pop), then this is a great CD to start with.

5 out of 5 stars The Blues of South Africa.......2006-10-18

Are you looking to graduate from Graceland? Like many folks I became hooked on the sound of Soweto from Paul Simons great album Graceland. I've found the Indescructible Beat of Soweto to be much more real and gritty. Every culture has their hardships, joys, and sorrows. Every culture sings about them. This is just the Blues with a different beat. Buy this album. You will not be disapointed.

5 out of 5 stars Africa Rocks Out=;-].......2006-07-22

I have listened to this album since the 80's & it continues to be a true classic from its time in history. If you like upbeat danceable worldbeat music YOU WILL LOVE this music. Peace & Enjoy , Stephan

5 out of 5 stars One of The Greats of the 80s.......2005-02-06

Arguably one of the most monumental collection of world music ever recorded paints a sound scope of Soweto heritage so profoundly moving, it will make you weep. It soars and swirls and educates and dances within realms of diversity and poetry. The artists range in style and dialect, sketching a portrait of historic musical significance. Hearing such a tapestry, one could understand why Paul Simon explored [and Sting and Peter Gabriel exploited] his own pop aesthetic. At the risk of hyperbole mixed in for dramatic effect/affect, I will state that this album is a wonder to behold - an absolute must own for any human being who cares one iota about what music could/should/would be. Or what music is. My grade: A+
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 2: Thunder Before Dawn
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 2: Thunder Before Dawn
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Virgin
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0000242Y9

    Tracks:

    1. Shared Beer - Amaswazi Emvelo/Mahlathini
    2. Education Is The Key - Mahlithini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo
    3. Man-Eaters - Dilika
    4. My Wife, My Love - Abafakasi
    5. Sunshine Boots - Johnson Mkhalali
    6. Get Out Of The House - Jozi
    7. In Volondiya - Mahlathini Nezitombi Zomgqashiyo
    8. Open Bops - Makgona Tsohle Band
    9. Be Happy, Friend - Amaswazi Emvelo
    10. We Have Been All Over The Land - Amaswazi Emvelo/Mahlathini
    11. I've Been Working Alone - Mahlathini Nezitombi Zomgqashiyo
    12. Motshile: A Young Fan's Name - Malombo
    13. Pray - Nganeziyamfisa No Khambalomvaleliso
    Freedom Fire: Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 3
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Freedom Fire: Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 3
      Various Artists
      Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B00000DR6G
      Release Date: 1991-07-01

      Tracks:

      1. Thuto Kelefa - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, Mahotella Queens
      2. Izulu Elimnyama - Amaswazi Emvelo
      3. Nginokuthula - Amaswazi Emvelo, Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens
      4. Ikhaya Lami
      5. Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, Mahotella Queens
      6. Madyisa Mbitsi
      7. Mme Ngwana Walla - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, Mahotella Queens
      8. Asambeni Sonke
      9. Sondelani Ku Jesu - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens
      10. Sakhala Isiginci - Umahlathini Nabo
      11. Mashaba - Malombo
      12. Khubetswana Yeso - Mahotella Queens
      13. Lenyalo
      14. Masole a Banana - Mahotella Queens
      15. D. D. Special
      Jive Nation: Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 5
      Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
      • phuzukhemise lo khethani
      Jive Nation: Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 5
      Various Artists
      Manufacturer: Earthworks [Virgin]
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000008QTK
      Release Date: 1996-10-16

      Tracks:

      1. Umsangano - Soul Brothers
      2. Imbizo - Phuzekhemisi No Khethani
      3. Guga Mzimba - Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens
      4. Penina - JJ Chauke & Tiyimeleni Young Sisters
      5. Majava Java - West Nkosi
      6. Amaphutha - Soul Brothers
      7. U Nga Khomi - Makhubela & Nkhohlwani Girls
      8. Mamerika - Tau Ea Linare
      9. Themba Lenhliziyo - Ikhansela No JBC
      10. Izanagoma - Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo
      11. Moliva - Johnny Clegg & Savuka
      12. Loko Ni Ehleketa Chiawelo - John Maluleke & Rotterdam Sisters
      13. Izidumo Zase Ncome - King Star Brothers
      14. Amagama Akho - Phuzekhemisi No Khethani
      15. Ngixolele - Imitshotshovu
      16. Hawu! Khuzanimadoda - Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo
      17. Impendulo - Ihashi Elimhlophe
      18. Sengikhathele - Imitshotshovu

      Customer Reviews:

      2 out of 5 stars phuzukhemise lo khethani.......2006-05-04

      i would be glad if you could send me the whole album vie internet
      Indestructible Beat of Soweto 1
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Indestructible Beat of Soweto 1
        Various Artists
        Manufacturer: Earthworks [Virgin]
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        ASIN: B000066I87
        Release Date: 1995-12-01
        The Kings and Queens of Township Jive: Modern Roots of the Indestructible Beat of Soweto
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Kings and Queens of Township Jive: Modern Roots of the Indestructible Beat of Soweto
          Various Artists
          Manufacturer: Earthworks [Virgin]
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

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          ASIN: B00000IPTD
          Release Date: 1995-12-01

          Tracks:

          1. Mubi Umakhelwane - Abafana Baseqhudeni
          2. Six Mabone - Lulu Masilela
          3. Okwami Okwezeandla - Mbazo
          4. Bophumthwalo - Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens
          5. Platform - Thomas Phale
          6. Mantombazane - Soul Brothers
          7. Sadlula Thina - Abafana Baseqhudeni
          8. Marabi Bell 800 - West Nkosi
          9. Dragon Special - Thomas Phale
          10. Izingubo Ezimhlophe - Mahotella Queens
          11. Jive Makgona - Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens
          12. Bayeza - Soul Brothers
          13. Sindiza Emoyeni - Mahotella Queens
          14. Chillis 500 - West Nkosi
          15. Vusumuzi - Mahotella Queens
          16. Big Daddy - Thomas Phale
          The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 2: Thunder Before Dawn
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 2: Thunder Before Dawn
            Various Artists
            Manufacturer: Caroline
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

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            1. The Indestructible Beat of Soweto

            ASIN: B000001N21
            Release Date: 1993-02-05

            Tracks:

            1. Utshwala Begazati - Amaswazi Emvelo, Mahlathini
            2. Thuto Ke Senotlolo - Mahlathini
            3. Amazimuzimu - Dilika
            4. Wakwami
            5. Sunshine Boots
            6. Phumani Endlini - Jozi
            7. Kwa Volondiya - Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo
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            10. Siwuhambile Umhlaba - Amaswazi Emvelo, Mahlathini
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            Indestructible Beat of Soweto
            Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
            • Soweto Volume 6
            • Soweto Volume 6
            Indestructible Beat of Soweto
            Freedom Fire
            Manufacturer: Caroline
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

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            ASIN: B000001N23
            Release Date: 1993-04-30

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars Soweto Volume 6.......2002-02-26

            This CD is nice. It features Brenda Fassie songs "Vuli Ndlela" and "Sum' Bulala". That's the party song...The Soul Brothers did a good job and especially Papa Wemba...

            5 out of 5 stars Soweto Volume 6.......2002-02-26

            This CD is nice. It features Brenda Fassie songs "Vuli Ndlela" and "Sum' Bulala". That's the party song...The Soul Brothers did a good job and especially Papa Wemba...
            Jive Soweto, Vol. 4: Indestructible Beat of
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Jive Soweto, Vol. 4: Indestructible Beat of
              Various Artists
              Manufacturer: Caroline
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
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              ASIN: B00000DQBJ
              Release Date: 1992-10-16
              Freedom Fire: Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 3
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Freedom Fire: Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol. 3
                Various Artists
                Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
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                ASIN: B00008FZQ0
                Release Date: 1992-06-29

                Tracks:

                1. Thuto Kelefa - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, Mahotella Queens
                2. Izulu Elimnyama - Amaswazi Emvelo
                3. Nginokuthula - Amaswazi Emvelo, Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens
                4. Ikhaya Lami
                5. Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, Mahotella Queens
                6. Madyisa Mbitsi
                7. Mme Ngwana Walla - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens, Mahotella Queens
                8. Asambeni Sonke
                9. Sondelani Ku Jesu - Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens
                10. Sakhala Isiginci - Umahlathini Nabo
                11. Mashaba - Malombo
                12. Khubetswana Yeso - Mahotella Queens
                13. Lenyalo
                14. Masole a Banana - Mahotella Queens
                15. D. D. Special

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