South African Legends

Amazon.com
It was the South African sounds on Paul Simon's Graceland that first brought world music into the spotlight, and from there it's continued to shine. This album doesn't try to be The Indestructible Beat of Soweto; instead, it covers a wider canvas of the country's musical range. Along with mbaqanga, the style that's become so recognizably South African, there's the reggae of Lucky Dube (who would love to be Bob Marley), township jazz from Miriam Makeba, straight jazz from Hugh Masekela, and the ineffable Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose a cappella singing has both richness and emotion. The late Mahlathini roars in his unique lion voice (and he really does sound like a lion), and his backing band, the Mahotella Queens, brings "Mbube" (known in the West as "Wimoweh") back home again, where it belongs. In truth, there's not a bad track here, from the superb Soul Brothers to Johnny Clegg. As much as any one record can act as an introduction to a country, this does an excellent job. --Chris Nickson

Tracks:

Idlozi - Soul Brothers
Mbaqanga - Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens
Kuyobanjani Na? - Vusi Mahlasela
Mbube - Mahotella Queens
Mazuzu - West Nkosi
Chileshe - Hugh Masekela
My Game - Lucky Dube
Gijim'beke - Johnny Clegg & Juluka
Umhome - Miriam Makeba
Abantwana Basethempeleni - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Amazon.com

It was the South African sounds on Paul Simon's Graceland that first brought world music into the spotlight, and from there it's continued to shine. This album doesn't try to be The Indestructible Beat of Soweto; instead, it covers a wider canvas of the country's musical range. Along with mbaqanga, the style that's become so recognizably South African, there's the reggae of Lucky Dube (who would love to be Bob Marley), township jazz from Miriam Makeba, straight jazz from Hugh Masekela, and the ineffable Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose a cappella singing has both richness and emotion. The late Mahlathini roars in his unique lion voice (and he really does sound like a lion), and his backing band, the Mahotella Queens, brings "Mbube" (known in the West as "Wimoweh") back home again, where it belongs. In truth, there's not a bad track here, from the superb Soul Brothers to Johnny Clegg. As much as any one record can act as an introduction to a country, this does an excellent job. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Outstanding!.......2002-11-02

I am thrilled to have come across this album while in a Borders Bookstore one night. I had never really listened to African music before and this album just blew me away! I love it more than anything and can't play it enough! It's- fun, bouncy, happy, dance-able music that will make you smile and will wash your cares away. There are also a few somewhat melancholy, reflective songs on the album too but this does not in any way bring the album's theme of joviality down in the slightest. It is a very emotional and spirtual album that will make you feel good all over. Every song on this album is fantastic! I am now hooked on African music and (thanks to Putamayo), will be adding more and more of this wonderful continents' musical treasures to my collection. If you like- happy, upbeat, emotional African music that you can dance to, this is the album to have!

Not bad, but it isnt the best of putumayo........2002-09-23

This cd isnt bad at all, however it is not the best among Putumayo's recordings.

Some of the songs in this cd, to my opinion, are pretty "pop" in nature. I was expecting some folk songs or alike from South Africa, but what i got was pretty modern. I have to admit, however, the selection of songs are not bad. It doesnt hurt to try this one out, but sure some other Putumayo labels are more appealing than this one.

A must-have for just about anyone.......2001-05-31

I have always loved African music, so of course when I saw this album, I just had to buy it. It covers a broad range of styles from soul, jazz, mbaqanga, reggae, jive and of course the wonderful a capella style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. And like the other Putumayo releases, this one is also handsomely packaged with an informative booklet featuring photos and information about each performer. This is an album that everyone should hear, every song is a treat and leaves you wishing that there were more than 10 songs on it. Highly recommended.

Journey Through Africa.......2000-09-30

If you listen to Miriam Makeba or Johnny Clegg, you might want to pay very special attention to < >. The music is not something you will encounter and tune into radio. In fact, you won't be able to appreciate the music until you change your attitude (about the music). One has to look for the underlying textures and levels of music. Pay attention to the beat underneath. The music will touch your soul. Imagine yourself wandering through the safari and conquering the nature in Africa. A brilliant recording!

Good music for the soul.......2000-07-08

Here we have a good taste selection of the big offer of music from the African Continent... the music have textures, that can make us travel trough our minds to another places. Recomendable for those who want to open their ears to another experiences