Brownswood releases new compilation ‘Indaba Is’ celebrating the new sounds out of South Africa
South Africa has historically had strong jazz roots, even through the horrific apartheid regime. Pioneering artists like Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Johnny Dyani, Dudu Pukwana, Chris McGregor, Mongezi Feza, Ndikho Xaba, and so many others in the region consisted of some of the most adventurous jazz musicians of their era. Following the release of two groundbreaking compilations in We Out Here and Sunny Side Up that explored the current thriving scenes in London and Melbourne, Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label has just released a brand new compilation exploring the current wave of forward-thinking jazz artists coming out of Johannesburg.
Conceived and produced by two leading figures on the South African music scene, pianist Thandi Ntuli and singer Siyabonga Mthembu (The Brother Moves On, The Ancestors), this brilliant compilation brings together eight incredible Johannesburg groups featuring Ntuli, Bokani Dyer, Lwanda Gogwana, The Brother Moves On, The Wretched, Sibusile Xaba, The Ancestors, and Iphupho likaBiko.
From Bokani Dyer’s great opening spiritual jazz groover “Ke Nako” (named after a slogan used to get voters to the polls in the first post-apartheid election) to guitarist Sibusile Xaba’s meditative roots-music gem “Umdali” (a reference to the Creator), and iPhupho L’ka Biko’s “Abaphezulu” featuring a fusion of Indian and modern jazz rhythms, with free horn improvisations, this amazing recording covers a lot of ground, incorporating influences of jazz, hip-hop, gospel, soul, and more.
Overall, this is truly a fantastic collection of music that speaks to the power and beauty of collective collaboration and expression, tearing down the divisive apartheid ideology that hindered South Africa for many years. What will definitely be one of the most essential compilations of 2021, Indaba Is once again highlights that Johannesburg is home to some of the most innovative artists and musicians in the world.
Various — ‘Indaba Is’
(Brownswood Recordings)
1. Bokani Dyer – Ke Nako
2. The Brother Moves On – Umthandazo Wamagenge
3. Lwanda Gogwana – All Ok
4. The Wretched – What is History
5. Sibusile Xaba with Naftali, Fakazile Nkosi, & AshK – Umdali
6. The Ancestors – Prelude to Writing Together
7. Thandi Ntuli – Dikeledi
8. iPhupho L’ka Biko ft Siyabonga Mthembu & Kinsmen – Abaphezulu
