Makgona Tsohle Reggi

The resurrection of Makgona Tsohle Reggi – recorded in 1970 – reconnects modern listeners to an experimental fusion of mbaqanga, rocksteady, Jamaican ska and Western swing. Formed by five black working musicians at the height of South Africa's apartheid regime, the Makgona Tsohle Band offered a jivey and soulful escape from oppression. A solely instrumental and upbeat album, Makgona Tsohle Reggi does justice to the band's name, which translates to ‘The Band That Can Do Anything.’

The first half of the album reflects Western influences of rock'n'roll, swing and blues. It's infused with playful organ leads, bluesy guitar riffs and bold southern African basslines. It is the second half, however, that really shows off Makgona Tsohle's unique mastery. From track seven onwards the seductive flavour of Sowetan groove takes over with a collection of flirtatious saxophone melodies, guttural drums rolls and sophisticated guitar solos. Credited with being the creators of mbaqanga – that staple township music – the Makgona Tsohle Band groundbreakingly blended their homegrown talents with the sounds of 1960s US and Jamaica on this raw, pioneering album.