The Indestructible Beat of Soweto - Volume One

This expertly curated set of early '80s recordings by the leading lights of South Africa's mbaqanga scene introduced a new audience to the sound of the townships. These instantly irresistible songs feature rubbery basslines, pumping accordions, and skittering rhythm guitars underneath complex vocal harmonies and dance floor-ready percussion. The mood ranges from the uplifting, gospel-like call-and-response (and barnyard animal noises) of Udokotela Shange Namajaha's "Awungilobolele" to the kinetic, giddily entwined countermelodies of Johnson Mkhalali's joyous instrumental "Joyce No. 2."