Proudly South African Music
(In no particular order)
7. Delenta: Delenta
The first (and only) album from T.V. personality, Jenny Delenta, co-written with Craigie Dodds. The trip-pop album has a distinct William Orbit feel to it which, together with Delenta's sultry voice, made this album an instant favourite for me.
Favourite track: Fall
6. Mango Groove: Mango Groove
They were my first love when it comes to South African music. Mango Groove, with the sparkling Claire Johnston on lead vocals, was also the first band I saw perform live, which as an adolescent living in the ass end of South Africa where nothing ever happened, was incredibly exciting for me. Later, they would be used as a case study in my Master's thesis, which explored how their music crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it ideal to use when teaching English as an additional language in South Africa. This album features the band's three massive hits, namely Hellfire, Dance Sum More and Special Star.
Favourite track: Moments Away
5. GoodLuck: Creatures of the Night
I discovered this exceptionally talented Capetonian trio upon my return to South African in 2013, after watching an insert on Top Billing about their journey through Namibia to record the album. They travelled around the country, recording sounds of nature (such as the sounds of the ocean bubbling over rocks on the shore and animals at a watering hole at night) which they then incorporated into songs on the album. The Top Billing insert also featured some of their previous hits and it was love at first listen. This album did not disappoint.
Favourite Track: Figure of 8
4. Qkumba Zoo: Wake Up And Dream
The dance trio that called themselves Qkumba Zoo, comprising vocalist Levannah, dancer/sculptor Tziki and musician/producer Owl, launched this album in the mid-90s. They were unusual in both their sound and their appearance and I think that is partly why they appealed to me. They did not fit any predefined mould and showed me that "weird" was a label that could be embraced rather than resisted. Chanting, techno beats and empowering lyrics - a perfect combination for a feel-good album that has stood the test of time.
Favourite track: The Child Inside
3. The Parlotones: A World Next Door To Yours
I love lead singer Kahn Morbee's voice as well as his dynamic stage presence (an aside: the first time I saw the band live was in a small bar in downtown Manhattan). I recently saw the band on their Orchestrated tour, which saw them perform with an orchestra that elevated their music to a whole level of awesome. This album boasts several powerful ballads and rock anthems, but my favourite is an incredibly beautiful love song that promises it is forever. On a different note, so to speak, I was surprised to learn that three Parlotones-inspired wines were produced in 2009 and 2010, namely Giant Mistake (a red wine), Push Me To The Floor (a white wine) and We Call This Dancing (a rose). Cheers to many more years of Parlotones magic.
Favourite track: I'll Be There For You
2. Karen Zoid: Poles Apart
I have been a Karen Zoid fan since her debut album, which featured both English and Afrikaans songs, most notably Afrikaners is Plesierig. Since this album she has gone from strength to strength and is now arguably one of the most successful South African artists, with a highly successful television show, Republiek van Zoid Afrika, and several number one hits that have earned her the title of SA's 'Queen of Rock'. She was also one of the judges on The Voice SA.
Favourite track: Meisie Wat Haar Potlood Kou
1. PJ Powers: Destiny
This is the most recent album from a strong, inspiring woman and one that has an empowering message for everyone. The album is a perfect accompaniment to her fantastic biography, Here I Am, which chronicles her early years and rise to fame, with all the ups and downs in between, and highlights her strength and bravery which are the underlying themes of Destiny. I have been privileged to see her perform live twice (and was completely star struck when I got to speak to her face-to-face after both performances) and was blown away by her powerful voice and positive energy on stage.
Favourite track: Destiny
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