Quote:
Originally Posted by squash54
Johnny Clegg is a white South African who got into the fusion of African and Western music at a time in his country's history when it was difficult, if not dangerous, for blacks and whites to mix and cooperate in many ways, including artistic endeavours. He mixed western music styles and instuments with traditional (mainly Zulu) music and instruments. He wrote contempory songs with english and zulu lyrics (often mixed in the same song) and adapted traditional folk music to western styles. He has had 2 groups over the years, the first, Juluka, was not very well represented online untill a lot of albums were added to Emusic's catalogue. His second group, Savuka has a few albums on MM/Sparks and I would recommend listening to the collection of their best known material on the album entitled 'In My African Dream' particularly tracks 1,2,10 and 16. There is also a CD floating around called 'Anthology' with the best of both groups that I highly recommend if you come accross it. Another great song is 'Impi' - not on sparks but available on MP3sale.ru.
I am also a fan of groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
If anyone has any recommends for this type of music, I would be glad to hear 'em
squash |
Squash,
I have listened to and collected African music for many,many years..
I am very glad that you bought up this subject,there is a wealth of
beautiful,exciting and vibrant music coming from Africa.Where many will
hear the roots of music they listen to very day.
To start with these are two of the best samplers out there
The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vol 1
Thunder Before Dawn: The Indestructible Beat of Soweto Vo2
These 2 samplers are the best follow the lead on the artists you like..
These 2 samplers are hard to come by and are quite a treat to have them
on
Emusic. I have recordings by all of the above but I really love
the Soweto Gospel Choir very unique in the genre of Gospel and beautiful
voices.
You will find that Johnny Clegg's is more South African music based than
anything ...I don't care what he calls it...lol..we all like to be unique..
but he just part of a whole greater musical heritage..
I will post more on this subject for you and all, because I always wanted
to, but now I know I have one interested party...that's all I need...
There are many wonderful free African samplers online at
Emusic too, that would be great at any price but extra nice for free. Check them out as
well..You are very lucky and fortunate to have found African music on
Emusic because they have the best and rarest collection anywhere in the Western Hemisphere...and at definitely the very best prices..I have paid in the
past hefty prices for some rare pieces...(the government shuts down the
artists and the record company's for not giving their share...Mmmm. ...
...sounds familiar..
)...until I found
Emusic.
I must say that many African countries have become more enlightened
since then, and our western interest in their music has helped a great deal,
by setting up favorable distribution deals with the artists.
Will post more soon,
