Mr Bongo reissues highly-obscure 1972 South African soul-jazz 7inch by The Toreadors
UK’s Mr Bongo label continues their impressive string of releases with a recent reissue of the highly-obscure 1972 seven-inch double-side single from South African session group The Toreadors, featuring two incredible funky soul jazz gems, “Thembi” and “Gwinyitshe”.
This recording was organized by Ray Nkwe, an independent producer who was responsible for organizing many African jazz-oriented sessions in the 1970s and early 80s. The A side track “Thembi”, which was also written by Nkwe, has a late sixties psychedelic soul-jazz feel featuring some funky percussion and haunting vocal melodies.
Their is certainly no drop off with the B side cut “Gwinyitshe”, which has been gaining more notoriety from DJs and collectors over the past few years. The track takes a slightly more mid-tempo spiritual vibe that’s reminiscent of something you would hear from the legendary British Caribbean-funk group Cymande. The track was written by South African jazz giant Teaspoon Ndelu, who’s essential 1977 jazz-funk masterpiece Teaspoon & The Waves, was also recently reissued by Mr Bongo.
This well-crafted reissue represents some of the best South African soul-jazz you’ll ever hear. This is one of those releases that makes even the most hardcore collectors fall in love with reissues. Highly recommended!
The Toreadors — ‘Thembi / Gwinyitshe’
(Originally released: 1972 / Motella)
(Reissued: 2021 / Mr Bongo)
A SIDE: Thembi
B SIDE: Gwinyitshe
