| features in: Album Chart of 1976 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s |
Never judge an album by its cover is an adage which can be applied here – put the playboy out of your mind and dance would be the best plan of attack. Mahlabathini (not to be confused with Mahlathini) was the moniker used by Victor Zulu, a groaner clearly inspired by (or cashing in on) his famous namesake. The liner notes give us some background on the frontman: “Victor Mahlabathini started composing and singing in 1959 at Kwambonambi near Durban when he was still at school. In 1968 he came to Johannesburg and sang with “The Watermelon Kids” at the Bantu Men’s Social Centre. In 1969, David Thekwane arranged for Victor and Izintombi Zephepha to record and perform together. In 1975, Victor and the girls made their first recording for Satbel, and we are proud to give you their first LP.” This is a high-quality, all-action set from the triumvirate, which is consistently good from beginning to end, with a blindingly brilliant streak on the first half of side 2. The first two of these (“Mathamyizimimyaba” and “Ukuhamba Ukuboma”) were penned by Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje’s leading lady, Jane Dlamini. Victor, in fact, does not appear on either of them, the lead vocal being taken on the latter by former Mahotella Queens member Nunu Maseko who plays a prominent role throughout this LP. Victor’s best, “Kubuhlunmgu”, follows, and I just can’t escape the feeling that I’m listening to a vintage Mahlathini and The Mahotella Queens recording; the gruffness playing against the sweetness is simply irresistible, and the harmonies and rhythms are killer. This is an album not to be missed and has been made available to you by the good people at Electric Jive.
The Jukebox Rebel
20–Jun–2013
| Tracklist |
| A1 | [02:21]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Inhloli Yami (Sipho Mkhize) Africana |
| A2 | [01:51]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Oh Yihi (Sipho Mkhize) Africana |
| A3 | [02:59]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Okuyikho Yikyphi (Victor Zulu) Africana |
| A4 | [02:29]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Thokozili (Victor Zulu) Africana |
| A5 | [02:48]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Thula Du (Victor Zulu) Africana |
| A6 | [02:28]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Sikhulekile (Victor Zulu) Africana |
| B1 | [02:43]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Mathamyizimimyaba (Janet Dlamini) Africana |
| B2 | [02:20]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Ukuhamba Ukuboma (Janet Dlamini) Africana |
| B3 | [02:46]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Kubuhlunmgu (W. Luthuli) Africana |
| B4 | [02:38]  Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Bhula Mngama (W. Luthuli) Africana |
| B5 | [02:19] Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Imxaki (C. Mhlomyo) Africana |
| B6 | [02:49] Mahlabathini and Izintombi Zephepha backed by The Naughty Boys - Sul’umlomo (C. Mhlomyo) Africana |
