Mbaqanga (album)
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| Mbaqanga | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Original Australian CD | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1991 | |||
| Genre | Mbaqanga[1] | |||
| Length | 51:32 | |||
| Label | Verve World[2] | |||
| Producer | Marks Mankwane | |||
| Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens chronology | ||||
| ||||
Mbaqanga is an album by the South African musical group Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, released in 1991 and in the US in 1992.[3][4][5] The group supported the album with a North American tour.[6]
The album was produced by Marks Mankwane, who also played guitar.[7] The group rerecorded a few early hits for Mbaqanga.[8] The Makhona Tsohle Band played on the album.[9] Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens returned to the more traditional sound of their earlier albums; they also continued to shy away from political lyrics.[10][11] The group sang in Zulu, Shangaan, and English, among other languages.[12]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [13] |
| Chicago Tribune |  [8] |
| Robert Christgau |  [14] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [15] |
| Houston Chronicle | [16] |
| MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide | [17] |
The Chicago Tribune noted Mankwane's influence, deeming the album "a leaner, rootsier record ... that is also more akin to current popular African guitar band styles."[8] The Boston Globe praised the "less punched up, club-ready mix [that is] closer to a lighter, dustier, urban folk sound."[18] The Sacramento Bee wrote: "While Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde's uncommon voice, low and gruff like Tom Waits' African cousin, is an acquired taste (that is, difficult to acquire), the three Queens are immediately ingratiating a bright, brassy ensemble that sings as one, reflecting their 28 years together."[19]
The Globe and Mail determined that "the music remains unalloyed and uncorrupted, a joyous and irresistible sound that can light up a room in seconds."[9] The Houston Chronicle considered the album "a good representation of Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens' distinctive vocal blend of growling male leads ... and female harmonies."[16] The Times Union labeled it "joyously buoyant."[20]
AllMusic called the album "a nonstop frenzy of Zulu rock & roll."[13]