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May '13

Hola mpinji! You're at AFROSYNTH, the realest African selection . . .

This month we bring you new school queens FABASI and V-MASH, traditional vibes from PURE GOLD and MTUSENI SIBIYA and co, crossover from WALK THIS WAY, Shangaan grooves from KAYA, an early bubblegum classic by MARGINO and an unknown gem from JERRY GREEN.

Last month it was SHALOM, TOM DOLLAR and LAWRENCE 'SACKEY' GOREOANG, RALPH MARTIN, the original NINJA, the West Nkosi-produced IBIZA, IZIHLABENI and reggae legends JAMBO. We kicked off 2013 with a brand new mix: AFROSYNTH XII: Free At Last, a selection of recent additions to the library. Also don't miss the new 'Best of Afrosynth' compilation from the good people at eFrika. Sharp!

BONES BRETTELL - Mathambo (1987)

MFM, FML1016   
Producers: B. Brettell, B. Millar, G. Nzuza, G. Cutler & A. Coakley       

Best known as the keyboardist for Hotline, Ron 'Bones' Brettell had earlier found international fame with glam hitmakers Clout. Later he went on to produce many of the MFM stable's biggest hitmakers, like Mercy Pakela, Ali Katt and Casino, adding his own signature synth sounds. Somewhere along the way he dropped this solo album.

Mathambo (future) may not have sold well but it underlines the influence he had on a range of acts. 'Everybody Come Let's Dance'  is nearly identical to another of his side-projects, Zone 3's Mr Chacklas. Titles carry messages of unity - eg 'Can't Take Away My Pride' and the instrumental 'Join Hands' and 'Everything Is Possible', as well as a cover of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'. Reminiscent of other keyboard albums by Black Moses, AYB and Hanz.