“Makoti Wakena” by Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1980Album Chart of the Decade: 1980s

TJR says

As you might have suspected, a wedding celebration is afoot on the glorious title-track of Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje’s long player from 1980. Don't let that put you off though, for it seems a township jive wedding reception is a far cooler affair than your standard western version. This excellent starter is followed by “Nkadimeng Bayesekele”, one of four fine songs credited to singer Hilda Tloubatla. The spongy bass, the choppy organ, the sweet guitar licks, the wailing horns, the delicious female harmonies - what's not to love? It's the story of the album really. This is the sound of producer Hamilton Nzimande's “Isibaya Esikhulu” (“The Big Stable”) and what a powerful sound it is. Aside from Hilda, it's the vocals from Jane Dlamini (who receives two writers credits), Julia Mangqu, Lindiwe Mthembu and Nobesuthu Shawe which are providing the sparkly topping on the cake. A solid record throughout. See notes for the ever-interesting thoughts of historian Nick Lotay.

The Jukebox Rebel
17–Nov–2016

Tracklist
A1 [02:55] 8.7.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Makoti Wakena (Hamilton Nzimande) Africana
A2 [03:09] 7.5.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Nkadimeng Bayesekele (Hilda Tloubatla) Africana
A3 [03:06] 7.3.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Bantshepisa Lenyalo (Hilda Tloubatla) Africana
A4 [02:15] 6.2.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Reya Qabana (Jane Dlamini) Africana
A5 [03:14] 6.5.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Mapule (Jane Dlamini) Africana
B1 [03:12] 6.7.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Bomma Ditaba (Hilda Tloubatla) Africana
B2 [03:11] 6.6.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Mpho (Hilda Tloubatla) Africana
B3 [03:09] 4.8.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Menate Ya Lefatse (Hamilton Nzimande) Pop
B4 [02:55] 8.5.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Keneng Ompotsa (Hamilton Nzimande) Africana
B5 [03:09] 7.3.png Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Ngwaneso (Hamilton Nzimande) Africana
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