11/02/12

Ho$h! You're at AFROSYNTH, the realest African selection . . .

This week we bring you Zambia's international disco queen ANNA MWALE, Shangaan girl group THE DALOM KIDS, solid funk from MELVYN MATTHEWS, crooner ZAYN ADAM and jazzman RATAU MIKE MAKHALEMELE.

Last time we checked out JONATHAN BUTLER's breakthrough second album, seven-man synth act SENSATIONS, a supporter's album for Moroka Swallows by THE SOCCER BOYS, underrated jazz pianist LIONEL PILLAY and the SIX PAK compilation that went down smooth.
Also be sure to download the latest mix - WINNER TAKES ALL - a hot soul stew of recent additions to the library.

Sharp!

LITTLE BIG MAN - So Where To? (1989)

On Record, ONH 112   
Producer: Themba Mawelela & Selwyn Shandel (exec: Ronnie Robot)
Engineer: Selwyn Shandel       
Recorded at: Shandel Music Studios       


Funky late 80's bubblegum with heavy synthwork, programmed beats and husky vocals somewhere between his labelmate Mafika and pint-sized growler Sox. Themba Mawelela was a prolific producer in the On Record stable, working with Neo "The Boss" Maphaka (form CJB) and Lady Thuli. He also went by the names "Sometimes" and "Little Big Man'. His other solo releases include Diponpone (1990).

Lyrics on So Where To? (ie. "Soweto") range from the usual love ('Give Me Your Love' and 'I'll Take You There', which lifts straight from Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse's classic 'Burnout') to social stigma ('Pink Man': "No no, you're no fool, no no, you're just pink") and employment on 'I Won't Give Up':  
"I've been searcing for a job in the big city,
They said to me, there is no job.
I've got to get back home and tell them bad news."