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Mahlathini & Mahotella Queens

Submitted by Roanman on Sun, 05/01/2011 - 16:31

 

One of my favorite bands of all time, Mahlathini & Mahotella Queens helped invent the Mbaqanga sound of the Soweto townships in the late 60's through the late 80's and were it's greatest practitioners.

I can't say it, but I sure know it when I hear it.

They were really three distinct outfits in one, as producer Rupert Bopape assembled the Makgona Tsohle Band (the band that can do anything) who at the time were South Africa’s premier studio group, with the Mahotella Queens and Simon “Mahlathini” Nkabinde (The Lion of Soweto) greatest of South Africa’s “groaning style” singers.

This is Marks Mankwane, one of popular music’s all time most innovative guitarists playing lead, Vivian Ngubane (I think) playing rhythm guitar, Joseph Makwela on bass, Lucky Monama on drums.  I don’t have the keyboards figured out yet.  The female vocalists are Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola and of course that’s the late, great Mahlathini groaning away.

Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens.

Stop Crying.

 

 

Apologies for the abrupt ending.

There are not a lot of vids out there for this band.

As an aside it was Mahlathini who introduced Ted Nugent to his tailor.