Mbaqanga is an album by the South African musical group Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, released in 1991 and in the US in 1992.[3][4][5] The group supported the album with a North American tour.[6]

Mbaqanga
Original Australian CD
Studio album by
Released1991
GenreMbaqanga[1]
Length51:32
LabelVerve World[2]
ProducerMarks Mankwane
Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens chronology
The Lion Roars
(1991)
Mbaqanga
(1991)
King of the Groaners
(1993)

Production

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The album was produced by Marks Mankwane, who also played guitar.[7] The group rerecorded a few early hits for Mbaqanga.[8] The Makhona Tsohle Band played on the album.[9] Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens returned to the more traditional sound of their earlier albums; they also continued to shy away from political lyrics.[10][11] The group sang in Zulu, Shangaan, and English, among other languages.[12]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [13]
Chicago Tribune    [8]
Robert Christgau [14]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music     [15]
Houston Chronicle     [16]
MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide     [17]

The Chicago Tribune noted Mankwane's influence, deeming the album "a leaner, rootsier record ... that is also more akin to current popular African guitar band styles."[8] The Boston Globe praised the "less punched up, club-ready mix [that is] closer to a lighter, dustier, urban folk sound."[18] The Sacramento Bee wrote: "While Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde's uncommon voice, low and gruff like Tom Waits' African cousin, is an acquired taste (that is, difficult to acquire), the three Queens are immediately ingratiating a bright, brassy ensemble that sings as one, reflecting their 28 years together."[19]

The Globe and Mail determined that "the music remains unalloyed and uncorrupted, a joyous and irresistible sound that can light up a room in seconds."[9] The Houston Chronicle considered the album "a good representation of Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens' distinctive vocal blend of growling male leads ... and female harmonies."[16] The Times Union labeled it "joyously buoyant."[20]

AllMusic called the album "a nonstop frenzy of Zulu rock & roll."[13]

Track listing

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Mbaqanga track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Mbaqanga"4:27
2."Vuya"4:11
3."Bayeza"4:39
4."Umasihlalisane"4:54
5."Jive Motella"3:22
6."Thonthodi"3:53
7."Hayi Kabi"5:38
8."Stop Crying"4:01
9."Bon Jour"4:18
10."Josefa"3:43
11."Noluthando"4:29
12."Kwa Makhutha"3:57
Total length:51:32

Charts

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Chart performance for Mbaqanga
Chart (1991) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[3] 94

References

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  1. ^ Meintjes, Louise (5 February 2003). Sound of Africa!: Making Music Zulu in a South African Studio. Duke University Press.
  2. ^ Tanzilo, Robert (30 April 1993). "Queens' joy transcends woes". Milwaukee Sentinel. p. 18D.
  3. ^ a b Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 175.
  4. ^ Heim, Chris (6 March 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Tuesday at the Cubby Bear". Friday. Chicago Tribune. p. N.
  5. ^ Donnelly, Kathleen (7 February 1992). "Soweto Soul". Eye. The Mercury News. p. 19.
  6. ^ Joyce, Mike (18 February 1992). "Mahlathini, Effervescently". The Washington Post. p. D3.
  7. ^ "Album Reviews – Mbaqanga by Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens". Billboard. Vol. 104, no. 7. 15 February 1992. p. 47.
  8. ^ a b c Heim, Chris (19 March 1992). "Recordings". Tempo. Chicago Tribune. p. 7.
  9. ^ a b Dafoe, Chris (25 May 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens 'Mbaqanga'". The Globe and Mail. p. C1.
  10. ^ Dollar, Steve (21 February 1992). "S. Africa's Mahlathini, Queens don't stand still". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. G1.
  11. ^ Scott, Jane (1 July 1992). "'Happy Music' to Ring at Cain Park". The Plain Dealer. p. 8E.
  12. ^ Larsen, Dave (26 June 1992). "Jive Alive and Kicking". Go!. Dayton Daily News. p. 17.
  13. ^ a b "Mahlathini & the Mahotella Queens Mbaqanga". AllMusic.
  14. ^ "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens". Robert Christgau.
  15. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 5. MUZE. p. 439.
  16. ^ a b Mitchell, Rick (1 March 1992). "Mbaqanga Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens". Zest. Houston Chronicle. p. 21.
  17. ^ MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 2000. p. 470.
  18. ^ Gonzalez, Fernando (2 April 1992). "Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens Mbaqanga". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 6.
  19. ^ Barton, David (1 March 1992). "Mbaqanga". The Sacramento Bee. p. EN13.
  20. ^ Haymes, Greg (19 March 1993). "High-Energy South African Jive Roars into Area". Times Union. p. C5.