Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
Encyclopedia
Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens (also known as Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo - Mahlathini and the Girls of Mgqashiyo) was a South Africa
n mbaqanga
supergroup
composed of:
In 1998, band member West Nkosi was killed in a road accident. Marks Mankwane died not long afterwards, followed by the death of Mahlathini in July 1999, thus ending the group's existence. Despite this, the Mahotella Queens recruited brand new (younger) musicians in a new group line-up and continue performing and recording to this day, having released successful albums such as Sebai Bai (2001), Bazobuya (2004), Reign & Shine
(2005) and Siyadumisa (Songs of Praise)
(2007).
's Graceland
album, that Gallo Record Company
(the three artists' label) paired them together permanently.
Mahlathini was known as the "Lion of Soweto
" (his voice was a low, "gravel-like" groan) and was well known throughout South Africa and neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe
and Botswana
during his career. He began singing in the 1950s, often working in conjunction with top producer Rupert Bopape at EMI South Africa, and often performing with the girl group the Dark City Sisters
. When Bopape moved to Gallo Record Company
in 1964 to start up the new African subsidiary, Mavuthela Music, he brought Mahlathini with him. The bass vocalist's career then took off. He was backed by Bopape's newly-formed Makgona Tsohle Band
(soon to become the hardest-working mbaqanga session team in the country, led by the country's electric guitar pioneer Marks Mankwane as well as saxophone star West Nkosi
) and often recorded with Bopape's newly-formed (and highly-successful) Mahotella Queens
.
Mahotella Queens was initially a group of five female vocalists established at the Mavuthela division in 1964 by Bopape, who introduced Hilda Tloubatla
to sing the main lead vocals. The Queens began recording hit singles and albums with their backing, the Makgona Tsohle Band, and were often fronted by Mahlathini. In 1971, Mahlathini signed with rival company EMI
, and the original Queens all ended up joining rival girl groups. Bopape formed a new Mahotella Queens line-up, who most notably recorded the 1977 album Izibani Zomgqashiyo with Robert "Mbazo" Mkhize (in the place of Mahlathini). In 1983, the original five Queens (Hilda Tloubatla
, Nobesuthu Mbadu
, Mildred Mangxola
, Juliet Mazamisa and Ethel Mngomezulu) reunited with Mahlathini and the Makgona Tsohle Band with the comeback release Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo
(Heroes of Mgqashiyo Music). After one more hiatus, three of the Queens (Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola) regrouped full-time in 1986.
Mahlathini and The Mahotella Queens contributed to the 1989 album Below The Waste
by UK band Art Of Noise. Their vocals were featured on three tracks - Yebo, Chain Gang and Spit.
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n mbaqanga
Mbaqanga
Mbaqanga is a style of South African music with rural Zulu roots that continues to influence musicians worldwide today. The style originated in the early 1960s.-History:...
supergroup
Supergroup (music)
In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe "a rock music group whose performers are already famous from having performed individually or in other groups"....
composed of:
- The late Simon 'Mahlathini' NkabindeMahlathiniSimon 'Mahlathini' Nkabinde was a South African mbaqanga singer. Known as the "Lion of Soweto" Nkabinde is the acknowledged exponent of the deep-voiced, basso profundo "groaning" style that came to symbolize mbaqanga music in the 1960s...
(1937–1999), a phenomenal singer in the basso-profundo 'groaning' style - The mgqashiyo session group Mahotella QueensMahotella QueensThe Mahotella Queens are a South African singing group formed in 1964 comprising Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola...
(1964–present), known for their fast-paced dancing and multi-part harmonies - originally five members from 1964–1986, now a trio (1986–present) - The mbaqanga instrumental band Makgona Tsohle BandMakgona Tsohle BandThe Makgona Tsohle Band was a South African instrumental band that is noted for creating the mbaqanga music style. The group was formed in 1964 at Mavuthela , and became the Mavuthela house band. It garnered success by backing fellow Mavuthela-Gallo stars, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens...
(1963–1999), led by the late Marks Mankwane and West NkosiWest NkosiWest Nkosi was a South African music producer, saxophonist and songwriter.Nkosi was born in Nelspruit, South Africa. He was an original member of the Makgona Tsohle Band which backed Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens...
In 1998, band member West Nkosi was killed in a road accident. Marks Mankwane died not long afterwards, followed by the death of Mahlathini in July 1999, thus ending the group's existence. Despite this, the Mahotella Queens recruited brand new (younger) musicians in a new group line-up and continue performing and recording to this day, having released successful albums such as Sebai Bai (2001), Bazobuya (2004), Reign & Shine
Reign & Shine
Reign & Shine is a 2005 album by the South African mbaqanga group the Mahotella Queens. The album was a break from their usual mgqashiyo music, focusing on three-part vocal harmonies and percussion , with electric guitar and bass only appearing on some tracks...
(2005) and Siyadumisa (Songs of Praise)
Siyadumisa (Songs of Praise)
Siyadumisa is a 2007 album by the South African mbaqanga group the Mahotella Queens. The album is the first gospel-orientated album by the Queens, and features the voice of lead singer Hilda Tloubatla's son, Alfred "Ali" Temo...
(2007).
History
Mahlathini, the Queens and the Makgona Tsohle Band had become famous as individual artists, but had frequently recorded together since 1964. It was only in 1986, when the demand for South African music arose through Paul SimonPaul Simon
Paul Frederic Simon is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles...
's Graceland
Graceland (album)
Graceland was Paul Simon's highest charting album in the U.S. in over a decade, reaching #3 in the national Billboard charts, receiving a certification of 5× Platinum by the RIAA and eventually selling over 14 million copies, making it Simon's most commercially successful album...
album, that Gallo Record Company
Gallo Record Company
Gallo Record Company is the largest record label in Africa. It is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is owned by Avusa Limited . The current Gallo Record Company is a hybrid of two rival South African record labels between the '40s and '80s: the original Gallo Africa and G.R.C...
(the three artists' label) paired them together permanently.
Mahlathini was known as the "Lion of Soweto
Soweto
Soweto is a lower-class-populated urban area of the city of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa, bordering the city's mining belt in the south. Its name is an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships...
" (his voice was a low, "gravel-like" groan) and was well known throughout South Africa and neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
and Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
during his career. He began singing in the 1950s, often working in conjunction with top producer Rupert Bopape at EMI South Africa, and often performing with the girl group the Dark City Sisters
Dark City Sisters
The Dark City Sisters were a South African female vocal group, who formed in 1958 and recorded several hit records in the 1960s, helping usher in a new style of South African music later brought to global prominence by the Mahotella Queens....
. When Bopape moved to Gallo Record Company
Gallo Record Company
Gallo Record Company is the largest record label in Africa. It is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is owned by Avusa Limited . The current Gallo Record Company is a hybrid of two rival South African record labels between the '40s and '80s: the original Gallo Africa and G.R.C...
in 1964 to start up the new African subsidiary, Mavuthela Music, he brought Mahlathini with him. The bass vocalist's career then took off. He was backed by Bopape's newly-formed Makgona Tsohle Band
Makgona Tsohle Band
The Makgona Tsohle Band was a South African instrumental band that is noted for creating the mbaqanga music style. The group was formed in 1964 at Mavuthela , and became the Mavuthela house band. It garnered success by backing fellow Mavuthela-Gallo stars, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens...
(soon to become the hardest-working mbaqanga session team in the country, led by the country's electric guitar pioneer Marks Mankwane as well as saxophone star West Nkosi
West Nkosi
West Nkosi was a South African music producer, saxophonist and songwriter.Nkosi was born in Nelspruit, South Africa. He was an original member of the Makgona Tsohle Band which backed Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens...
) and often recorded with Bopape's newly-formed (and highly-successful) Mahotella Queens
Mahotella Queens
The Mahotella Queens are a South African singing group formed in 1964 comprising Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola...
.
Mahotella Queens was initially a group of five female vocalists established at the Mavuthela division in 1964 by Bopape, who introduced Hilda Tloubatla
Hilda Tloubatla
Hilda Semola Tloubatla is a South African mbaqanga singer, and the lead singer of the acclaimed group the Mahotella Queens. Tloubatla was born in Payneville, Springs in South Africa before moving to kwaThema township in 1951 as a result of the apartheid government's 'Group Areas Act' in the...
to sing the main lead vocals. The Queens began recording hit singles and albums with their backing, the Makgona Tsohle Band, and were often fronted by Mahlathini. In 1971, Mahlathini signed with rival company EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
, and the original Queens all ended up joining rival girl groups. Bopape formed a new Mahotella Queens line-up, who most notably recorded the 1977 album Izibani Zomgqashiyo with Robert "Mbazo" Mkhize (in the place of Mahlathini). In 1983, the original five Queens (Hilda Tloubatla
Hilda Tloubatla
Hilda Semola Tloubatla is a South African mbaqanga singer, and the lead singer of the acclaimed group the Mahotella Queens. Tloubatla was born in Payneville, Springs in South Africa before moving to kwaThema township in 1951 as a result of the apartheid government's 'Group Areas Act' in the...
, Nobesuthu Mbadu
Nobesuthu Mbadu
Nobesuthu Gertrude Mbadu Shawe is a South African mbaqanga singer, and a singer in the acclaimed group the Mahotella Queens...
, Mildred Mangxola
Mildred Mangxola
Nontsomi Mildred Mangxola is a South African mbaqanga singer, and a singer in the acclaimed group the Mahotella Queens. Mangxola was born in Benoni, Johannesburg, in South Africa, and loved singing from a young age...
, Juliet Mazamisa and Ethel Mngomezulu) reunited with Mahlathini and the Makgona Tsohle Band with the comeback release Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo
Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo
Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo was the first release by Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens after their comeback in 1983. The group was reunited by Marks Mankwane...
(Heroes of Mgqashiyo Music). After one more hiatus, three of the Queens (Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola) regrouped full-time in 1986.
Mahlathini and The Mahotella Queens contributed to the 1989 album Below The Waste
Below the Waste
Below the Waste is Art of Noise's fourth full-length original album and their last album for China Records before Anne Dudley reformed with ZTT's Trevor Horn and Paul Morley for 1999's The Seduction of Claude Debussy....
by UK band Art Of Noise. Their vocals were featured on three tracks - Yebo, Chain Gang and Spit.
Selected discography
| Title | Label/catalogue | Release year |
| The Best of Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens | Warner Jazz | 2007 |
| Siyadumisa (Songs of Praise) Siyadumisa (Songs of Praise) Siyadumisa is a 2007 album by the South African mbaqanga group the Mahotella Queens. The album is the first gospel-orientated album by the Queens, and features the voice of lead singer Hilda Tloubatla's son, Alfred "Ali" Temo... |
Bula Music/AS Entertainment (CDBULA 203) | 2007 |
| The Best of Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens (reissue) | Gallo Record Company (CDGSP 50) | 2007 |
| Stoki Stoki (reissue) | Gallo Record Company (CDGMP 40539) | 2007 |
| Paris-Soweto (reissue) | Gallo Record Company (CDGMP 40314) | 2007 |
| Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens: The Hits | Gallo Record Company (GMVCOM 1007) | 2006 |
| Reign & Shine Reign & Shine Reign & Shine is a 2005 album by the South African mbaqanga group the Mahotella Queens. The album was a break from their usual mgqashiyo music, focusing on three-part vocal harmonies and percussion , with electric guitar and bass only appearing on some tracks... |
Wrasse Records/AS Entertainment (WRASS177) | 2006 |
| Kazet | Marabi Productions/AS Entertainment | 2005 |
| Reign & Shine Reign & Shine Reign & Shine is a 2005 album by the South African mbaqanga group the Mahotella Queens. The album was a break from their usual mgqashiyo music, focusing on three-part vocal harmonies and percussion , with electric guitar and bass only appearing on some tracks... |
African Cream Music/AS Entertainment (ACM-CD 042) | 2005 |
| Bazobuya | Gallo Record Company (GWVCD 53) | 2004 |
| The Best Of: The Township Idols The Best Of: The Township Idols The Township Idols is a 2003 compilation album by the Mahotella Queens. The group started recording for Gallo Record Company in 1964, initially under different group names in addition to the "Mahotella Queens" name... |
Wrasse Records (WRASS098) | 2003 |
| Sebai Bai | Harmonia Mundi/Label Bleu/Gallo (LBLC 2571) | 2001 |
| Umuntu | Gallo Record Company (CDGMP 40788) | 1999 |
| Stoki Stoki | Shanachie Records | 1996 |
| Stoki Stoki | Gallo Record Company (CDGMP 40539) | 1994 |
| Women of the World | Gallo Record Company (CDGMP 40331) | 1993 |
| King of the Groaners (Part II) | Earthworks Music | 1993 |
| The Lion Roars | Shanachie Records | 1993 |
| Mbaqanga | Gallo Record Company (BL 742) | 1991 |
| The Best of Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens | Gallo Record Company (CDHUL 40274) | 1991 |
| Rhythm & Art | Shanachie Records | 1990 |
| Rhythm & Art | Gallo Record Company | 1989 |
| Thokozile Thokozile Thokozile is a 1986 hit by the South African mbaqanga group Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens. The album was a reunion of Mahlathini with the backing Makgona Tsohle Band and three of the original Queens, Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola... |
Earthworks Music | 1988 |
| Melodi Yalla | Gallo-GRC (BL 617) | 1988 |
| Paris - Soweto Paris - Soweto Paris - Soweto is a 1987 album by the South African mbaqanga group Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens. The album was recorded just after the group reunited in 1986, and was one of the first albums to be recorded specifically for the international audience... |
Gallo Record Company (HUL 40314) | 1987 |
| Menate Ea Lefatse | CCP Record Company | 1987 |
| The Lion of Soweto (Part I) | Earthworks Music | 1987 |
| Thokozile Thokozile Thokozile is a 1986 hit by the South African mbaqanga group Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens. The album was a reunion of Mahlathini with the backing Makgona Tsohle Band and three of the original Queens, Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola... |
Gallo-GRC (BL 590) | 1986 |
| Ejerusalem Siyakhona | Gallo Record Company | 1986 |
| Utshwala Begazati | Gallo Record Company | 1985 |
| Phezulu Eqhudeni (reissue) | Hannibal Music | 1984 |
| Pheletsong Ya Lerato | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba BL 457) | 1984 |
| Kotopo Vol 2 (Makgona Tsohle Band) | Gallo Record Company (Spades BL 460) | 1983 |
| Mathaka Vol 1 Mathaka Vol 1 Mathaka Vol 1 is a 1983 album by the Makgona Tsohle Band, the instrumental backing group for Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, all of whom were based as musicians in the Mavuthela Music subsidiary of Gallo Africa.... (Makgona Tsohle Band) |
Gallo Record Company (Spades BL 461) | 1983 |
| Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo was the first release by Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens after their comeback in 1983. The group was reunited by Marks Mankwane... |
Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba BL 448) | 1983 |
| Uhambo Lwami | Gallo Record Company | 1983 |
| O Boshako | Teal Record Company | 1983 |
| Hamba Minyaka | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba BL 366) | 1982 |
| Tsamaya Moratuoa Tsamaya Moratuoa Tsamaya Moratuoa is a 1980 album by the Mahotella Queens. The album was one of the first to feature a more modern form of mbaqanga, implementing a 1980s drum backing with solid drumsticks... |
Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba BL 226) | 1980 |
| Best of the Mahotella Queens | Gallo Record Company | 1978 |
| Izibani Zomgqashiyo | Gallo Record Company | 1977 |
| Umkhovu | EMI Record Company | 1975 |
| Marriage is a Problem | Gallo Record Company | 1975 |
| Phezulu Egqhudeni | Gallo Record Company | 1975 |
| Umculo Kawupheli | Gallo Record Company | 1974 |
| Umculo Kawupheli | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba MGG 600/A) | 1974 |
| Marks Umthakathi | Gallo Record Company (Motella BL 9) | 1972 |
| Madulo | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba MGG 538/B) | 1969 |
| Mahlare | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba MGG 538/A) | 1969 |
| Sozabile No Mgonothi | Gallo Record Company | 1969 |
| Elamanqamu | Gallo Record Company | 1969 |
| Isigubu Sabalozi (Makhona Tsohle Band) | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba LMGG 5) | 1969 |
| Shaluza Ntombi | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba MGG 541/B) | 1969 |
| Lakhala Ijuba | Gallo Record Company (Gumba Gumba MGG 541/A) | 1969 |
| Majuba (Makhona Tsohle Band) | Gallo Record Company | 1968 |
| Mama Thula | Gallo Record Company | 1967 |
| Amaqawe | Gallo Record Company | 1967 |
| Jabulani Mabungu | Gallo Record Company (Motella MO 136/B) | 1967 |
| Sithunyiwe Thokozile No. 3 | Gallo Record Company (Motella MO 136/A) | 1967 |
| Let's Move with Makhona Tsohle Band | Gallo Record Company (Motella LMO 104) | 1967 |
| Sikhulekile (Makhona Tsohle Band) | Gallo Record Company | 1966 |
| Vula Bop's (Makhona Tsohle Band) | Gallo Record Company | 1966 |
| Meet the Mahotella Queens | Gallo Record Company (Motella LMO 101) | 1966 |
| Ashikinisi Jive Mgqashiyo | Gallo Record Company | 1965 |
| Sithunyiwe | Gallo Record Company | 1964 |
| Jive Mgqashiyo | Gallo Record Company (Motella MO 33/B) | 1964 |
| Thoko | Gallo Record Company (Motella MO 33/A) | 1964 |
| Orlando Train (Makhona Tsohle Band) | Gallo Record Company | 1964 |
See also
- MahlathiniMahlathiniSimon 'Mahlathini' Nkabinde was a South African mbaqanga singer. Known as the "Lion of Soweto" Nkabinde is the acknowledged exponent of the deep-voiced, basso profundo "groaning" style that came to symbolize mbaqanga music in the 1960s...
- Mahotella QueensMahotella QueensThe Mahotella Queens are a South African singing group formed in 1964 comprising Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola...
- Ladysmith Black MambazoLadysmith Black MambazoLadysmith Black Mambazo is a male choral group from South Africa that sings in the vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They rose to worldwide prominence as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his album, Graceland and have won multiple awards, including three Grammy Awards...
- Sweet Honey in the RockSweet Honey in the RockSweet Honey in the Rock is an all-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble. They are an American Grammy Award-winning troupe who express their history as women of color through song, while entertaining their audience. They have together worked from four women to the difficult five-part harmony...