| Mbaqanga | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Original Australian CD | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1991 | |||
| Genre | Mbaqanga [1] | |||
| Length | 51:32 | |||
| Label | Verve World [2] | |||
| Producer | Marks Mankwane | |||
| Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens chronology | ||||
| ||||
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]
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]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| 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]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Chart (1991) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) [3] | 94 |
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