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The Mahotella Queens - Hilda TLOUBATLA, Mildred MANGXOLA and Nobesuthu MBADU - are part of the legend of urban South African music with MAHLATHINI (the "Lion of Soweto") .They invented in the early 60s the Mbaquanga, a strong magic potion and an explosive mix of various types of traditional music, Marabi as well as rhythm and blues. Heroes of the cultural resistance to the Apartheid, idols of the black communities during the dark years, they have hit the international stage like a bomb! Far more than just a female choir, The Mahotella Queens are one of the key elements, the extra bit of soul that gives this music its unique color, intimately original yet widely universal.
The Mahotella Queens decided to take up once again, along with a band made up of young musicians, Mbaquanga's torch. Out of faithfulness for their lost companions - this record is entirely dedicated to them - they testifie to the vitality of a culture prey to uniformization and globalization. These three exceptional women, these three great African voices have returned with their new songs, their new show, out to conquer the world. WOZA!
Photograph: René Worms
The Mahotella Queens - Hilda TLOUBATLA, Mildred MANGXOLA and Nobesuthu MBADU - are part of the legend of urban South African music. MAHLATHINI (the "Lion of Soweto") and the musicians of the Makgona Tsothle Band invented in the early 60s the Mbaquanga, a strong magic potion and an explosive mix of various types of traditional music (Zulu, Sotho, Shangaan, Xhosa...), Marabi (South African jazz) as well as rhythm and blues, Soul, American Gospel, highly popular in the Townships. The irresistible and overpowering swing of this group, revealed in Europe in 1986, has delighted and won audiences over the world. Heroes of the cultural resistance to the Apartheid, idols of the black communities during the dark years, they've hit the international stage like a bomb!
In 1987, the producer West Nkosi - saxophonist, penny-whistle player (a traditional metal flute) and conductor of the Makgona Tsothle Band - took advantage of a stay in Paris to cut the record "PARIS - SOWETO" for the French label Celluloïd - which opened the way to the group's hit "Kazet" that traveled to the four corners of the globe.
And one suddenly discovers, to a hellish rhythm, a unique, energetic and powerful music, Marks MANKWANE's whirling guitar style, Mahlathini's "groaner's" voice and the subtle and velvety vocal harmonies of the MAHOTELLA QUEENS; an incredibly colorful show backed up by wild traditional costumes and hair styles and madcap choreography. One discovers these attaching, exceptional stars who crossed, without anger or bitterness, one of the darkest periods of South Africa, enabling an entire oppressed people to still be able to dance, dream and resist.
The Mahotella Queens, who had taken a break in the mid-70s, due to marriages and childbirths, came back together in the early 80s and largely contributed to this success. Far more than just a female choir, they are one of the key elements, the extra bit of soul that gives this music its unique color, intimately original yet widely universal.
This fabulous vocal trio is constitued by exceptional soloists, author-composers and arrangers, all of whom have greatly helped, over the years, enrich the group's record and concert program. And each and every one of them can proudly stand on the same fine ground as Miriam MAKEBA, Dorothy MASUKA, Yvonne CHAKA CHAKA, Busi MHLONGO or Brenda FASSIE, those great voices of African music. Astonishingly modern without having ever reneged the past, they all could have followed top individual careers. But history decided otherwise…
The successive deaths of West Nkosi, Marks MANKWANE and Simon NKABINDÉ MAHLATHINI marked the year 2000 with so many black stones. After a period of mourning and great sadness, the Mahotella Queens decided to take up once again, along with a band made up of young musicians, Mbaquanga's torch. Resolutely turned to the future, the three queens have returned to battle. It's nothing short of the birth of a new group, a new story, a new adventure for those who have never given up the struggle. Out of faithfulness for their lost companions - this record is entirely dedicated to them - they testifie to the vitality of a culture prey to uniformization and globalization. These three exceptional women, these three great African voices have returned with their new songs, their new show, out to conquer the world. WOZA!
This album was for the most part recorded at the Studio Gil Evans in Amiens and the SABC studio in Johannesburg. It enjoyed the collaboration of Régis Gizavo, a marvelous Malagasy accordionist, and Xavier Jouvelet, percussionist for Papa Wemba, Ray Lema, Salif Keïta… accomplished musicians, both fans from the very star of the Mahotella Queens and Médéric COLIGNON.
It was produced in a spirit of joy, respect and good humor by Christian Mousset and Philippe Teissier du Cros.
It is the reflection of the music of "new" Mahotella Queens. All that's missing is the visual element of the show - not to be missed!
Contacts
Agent
Country: France
Name: Vivement ce soir/Magali Levy
Tel: 0147970085
Fax: 0147970711
E-mail: vcsprod@club-internet.fr
Adress: 72-74, rue des Rondeaux
75020 Paris
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