Sebai Bai

Amazon.com
These grandmothers still got the groove, and what a deep groove it is. Anyone who loves the rhythm, drive, and South African ethos of Paul Simon's landmark Graceland CD will find plenty to marvel at in this bouncy collection of tunes from the townships and beyond. Way back in 1965, the Mahotella Queens were instrumental in creating the urban style of pop called mbaqanga, which mixes elements of gospel with traditional styles. For the second time in their long careers, the Queens have emerged from retirement, this time to record their most accessible and wide-ranging disc yet. Backed by a young and limber band, Sebai Bai varies the pace by including alternatives to straight-ahead mbaqanga hard-chargers like "Kumnyama Endlini," including the a cappella anthem "Masibambaneni" which spotlights the group's sterling harmonies along with their turn-on-a-dime timing. "Dlhaya Mhunu" spins the clock back to just before the reggae revolution by pairing the Queens with a nostalgic but still kicking Jamaican rock-steady beat. Adding to the variety are intervals of English-language lyrics that lend further poignancy to the performances. One thing hasn't changed since the Queens got their start, and that is their ability to deliver sheer joy disguised as music. --Bob Tarte

Tracks:

Kumnyama Endlini
Sebai Bai
Safari Yangu
Masibambaneni
Umona
Dlhaya Mhunu
Town Hall
Awungibhaleli Ngani
Mab'Amantsentse
Love Emotion
Waze Wangidelela
Kukhona Intombi
Lwaze Lwafika

Amazon.com

These grandmothers still got the groove, and what a deep groove it is. Anyone who loves the rhythm, drive, and South African ethos of Paul Simon's landmark Graceland CD will find plenty to marvel at in this bouncy collection of tunes from the townships and beyond. Way back in 1965, the Mahotella Queens were instrumental in creating the urban style of pop called mbaqanga, which mixes elements of gospel with traditional styles. For the second time in their long careers, the Queens have emerged from retirement, this time to record their most accessible and wide-ranging disc yet. Backed by a young and limber band, Sebai Bai varies the pace by including alternatives to straight-ahead mbaqanga hard-chargers like "Kumnyama Endlini," including the a cappella anthem "Masibambaneni" which spotlights the group's sterling harmonies along with their turn-on-a-dime timing. "Dlhaya Mhunu" spins the clock back to just before the reggae revolution by pairing the Queens with a nostalgic but still kicking Jamaican rock-steady beat. Adding to the variety are intervals of English-language lyrics that lend further poignancy to the performances. One thing hasn't changed since the Queens got their start, and that is their ability to deliver sheer joy disguised as music. --Bob Tarte

Customer Reviews:

Won't let you sit still!.......2003-02-07

This is lovely, joyous music. Never mind that almost none of the songs are sung in my native tongue, english. The listening experience is not in the least diminished. The harmonies are sweet and the 'vibe' is fantastic! As for technical issues, the recording is very good, but not so polished that the organic quality is lost. No pitch-correction needed here, thanks!

Something about this music grabs me deep down--I love it.

Wonderfully Uplifting.......2002-06-10

I find this album, and all the songs on it, infused with happiness, and the album makes me smile within seconds of hitting play. The songs are upbeat, with great beats, wonderful multi-part singing, and a kind of African - Carribean feel to them.

I highly recommend this CD, I think it's great.

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