About this item

While music traditions are often defined by established and protected sets of characteristics, popular music in South Africa betrays a willingness to adapt homegrown styles and an enthusiasm to adopt new influences. Musical currents like marabi, goema and mbaqanga help define what makes indigenous jazz unique, but it’s the eclecticism and hybridisation found in South African crates that keeps vinyl archaeologists like Fred “Voom Voom” Spider digging deeper. If we consider jazz to be a global musical dish, it follows that South Africa brings a distinct sonic salsa to the table. Spider calls it “Chakalaka Jazz” after the local tomato, onion and chilli relish that frequently accompanies South African meals. It’s the essential ingredient that unites and spices this diverse selection of tracks spanning the years 1969 through 2003. Featuring locals, exiles and expats with a reverent nod to the golden years of the 1970’s, these rare musical treasures are held together by that magical South African flavour.

Compiled by Fred Spider, Notes by Calum MacNaughton, Executive Producer: Franck Descollonges for Heavenly Sweetness

TRACK LISTING

The Sacred Lion Dance - Clarence Wilson
Saduva - Gibson Kente
What You Say - The Soweto Boys
Zone No.6 - The Drive
Revelation - The Cliffs Feat. Mankunku Ngozi
Seven Steps Lament - The Four Sounds
Zandile - The Jazz Ministers
Tail Feathers - The Tailfeathers
Doctor Al - Cassidy Clarke Band
Kubi - Zim Ngqawana
Magwaza - Johnny Dyani