Ben Mandelson, the man behind the British GlobeStyle label and a founding member of the 3 Mustaphas, a ground-breaking world-porridge ensemble, produced this introduction to one of South Africa's great acoustic traditions. Maskanda is the voice of rural day-laborers who wander throughout the vast Zulu homeland, making music with whatever is at hand. Master guitarist Shiyani Ngcobo, his well-traveled foot tapping inexorably, is joined by a whining fiddle, gurgling whistle, gut-thumping bass and a woman vocalist of extraordinary power. An opening arpeggio is resolved into rhythmic cycles that can be circular, stippled or underpinned by dragging back-beats that surge breathlessly ahead before stopping on a dime. The songs are further embellished by explosions of izibongo (improvised praise poetry.) Each of the 14 tracks shares an earthy magic, but the plunge-and-recoil vocal acrobatics of "Wayi Thathaphi," "Ngeke Lithuthuke," with its tinny gasoline-can guitar, and the church-like chorales of "Ngisizeni" are particular stand-outs. --Christina Roden
Product Description
Born of the Zulu experience of labour migrancy, maskanda is a musical dance style dominated by lush acoustic guitar ‘picking’ and distinctive rhythms. Born in 1953 in Umzinto, on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast, Shiyani Ngcobo has been a maskanda musician for more than thirty years. The winner of numerous maskanda awards, his use of a mixture of the rhythmic patterns associated with its different styles has earned him a reputation in South Africa as something of a maskanda maestro. This album captures how he has remained true to the aesthetic of early maskanda, while at the same time nurturing his own individual style.
Introducing Shiyani Ngcobo,Shiyani Ngcobo,World Music Network,African,Int'l & World Music,Pop
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Introducing Shiyani Ngcobo
Shiyani Ngcobo Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
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| Music
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ASIN: B000285IL6 Release Date: 2004-08-30 |
Tracks:
- Yekanini
- Izangoma
- Udadewetha
- Senzeni
- Sevelina
- Ijadu
- Izinyembezi
- Wayi Thathaphi
- Hgeke Lithuthuke
- Ngisizeni
- Isithembu
- Akwehlanga Lungehlanga
- Isithothobala
- Kheto Eyakho
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Ben Mandelson, the man behind the British GlobeStyle label and a founding member of the 3 Mustaphas, a ground-breaking world-porridge ensemble, produced this introduction to one of South Africa's great acoustic traditions. Maskanda is the voice of rural day-laborers who wander throughout the vast Zulu homeland, making music with whatever is at hand. Master guitarist Shiyani Ngcobo, his well-traveled foot tapping inexorably, is joined by a whining fiddle, gurgling whistle, gut-thumping bass and a woman vocalist of extraordinary power. An opening arpeggio is resolved into rhythmic cycles that can be circular, stippled or underpinned by dragging back-beats that surge breathlessly ahead before stopping on a dime. The songs are further embellished by explosions of izibongo (improvised praise poetry.) Each of the 14 tracks shares an earthy magic, but the plunge-and-recoil vocal acrobatics of "Wayi Thathaphi," "Ngeke Lithuthuke," with its tinny gasoline-can guitar, and the church-like chorales of "Ngisizeni" are particular stand-outs. --Christina RodenAlbum Description
Born of the Zulu experience of labour migrancy, maskanda is a musical dance style dominated by lush acoustic guitar `picking' and distinctive rhythms. Born in 1953 in Umzinto, on KwaZulu-Natal's south coast, Shiyani Ngcobo has been a maskanda musician for more than thirty years. The winner of numerous maskanda awards, his use of a mixture of the rhythmic patterns associated with its different styles has earned him a reputation in South Africa as something of a maskanda maestro. This album captures how he has remained true to the aesthetic of early maskanda, while at the same time nurturing his own individual style.Customer Reviews:
Variable but some gems to find.......2004-09-22
What may have been a solo session ended up as a kind of garage band session where Shiyani is accompanied by violin, bass, concertina, various percussion instruments and female backing vocals which bring a harmonious warmth. The pitch of the guitar is often raised to a high degree and the tunings of the other instruments adjusted accordingly. No matter what complexities are happening in the music, the incessant thumb-beat keeps the pace. Despite its characteristic rough edge, the music is very skilfully performed. Guitarists will be particularly enthralled by this guy's extraordinary style - the one solo reminds me of John Fahey, while one or two other tracks are even reminiscent of John Renbourn's style. Fascinating!
Yet this is specialised, raw roots music from the heart of Africa! I did have to listen a couple of times to adjust my ears and really appreciate the essence of the music. While some tracks seemed to drone on, the beauty of the music is deceptive so I did end up finding some real gems here.
Best "World" Recording this year.......2004-09-05
A big star of the Maskanda style of Zulu dance music for dec.......2004-08-30
He's very rhythmic in the groove, but never loud, using hand claps, violin and incredible innovative acoustic guitar techniques.
Toe tapping, danceable fun makes INTRODUCING SHIYANI NGCOBO a highly recommended pick.
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