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Mahube - Qhubeka!
One World
March 31, 2004

http://www.oneworld.co.za/description.cfm?ID=SLCD062

From the crisscross rhythms of Malawi and Zimbabwe down to the choral splendour of the south, and bass lines so thick you can taste the syrup, and so much more in between - truly we have more riches than gold. Mahube is a celebration and exploration of music in Southern Africa.

The music on "Qhubeka" is drawn from original compositions and adaptations and new arrangements of traditional songs. "Qhubeka", meaning carry on or keep on moving forward, is a sparkling array of songs drawn from our region.

The title track with vocals by Phinda Mtya alludes to the sun that can be seen on the horizon. Stylistically, it draws on the marabi and mbaqanga urban South African tradition mixed with elements of kwasa kwasa guitar that has become a feature of much current popular music.

Oliver Mtukudzi weighs in with 2 original compositions - the up-tempo and infectious Zimbabwean rhythm "Tindike" featuring Never Mpofu on bass guitar, and the haunting "Matibaya".

Dieketsing Mnisi fronts the original Mahube composition "Isomiso" (drought), that has a maskande underlying rhythm as its driving force.

Refiloe Mabaso guests on a classic traditional song from Mozambique entitled "Elisa Ngomara saia". This is one of the most well known songs from that region, and typifies the hip swaying marabenta beat.

Phinda Mtya sings a duet with Oliver Mtukudzi called "When the stillness comes." Many people are dying before their time. This is a touching song about the experience of losing the ones you love. It is an original composition by Steve Dyer, with Shona lyrics and melody by Oliver Mtukudzi.

Another guest featured on the album is Ndingo Johwa, a singer/songwriter from Botswana. His rich thick voice can be heard on an adaptation of a traditional Tswana song "Ke didi we".

George Phiri fronts his Malawian composition "Ngondo", with a rock inspired guitar underpinning the complex rhythms. Picky Kasamba features on the distinctive conga percussion track.

"Amathotholo" is a traditional Nguni song given an acoustic treatment, with additional melodies and lyrics by Phinda Mtya. A beautiful young modern woman is being called by the ancestors to become a healer.

"Savannah sketches", a Steve Dyer original, is the one instumental track on the album. Brass melodies sit on top of different African rhythmic treatments of the underlying pulse. Featured here is the tenor saxophone playing of Steve Dyer as well as Afrika Mkhize's acoustic piano.

The final track is an arrangement of "Mayibuye", a song penned by musician Glen Mafoko. This song features Phinda, Tuku, Dieketsing and Steve on tenor. It was written during the liberation struggle in South Africa where many families were torn apart from each other. A poignant reminder for us not to take our freedom for granted!

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