The Magical Mahotella Queens

Let’s start our enjoyment of South African music in the proper place — with the Mahotella Queens. The music of South Africa transcends. Born of struggle but rising above protest, rooted in the very specific history of a nation divided yet eagerly universal, inherently optimistic despite it all. We could do worse than to start with the Mahotella Queens, whose 1960’s “mbaqanga” music, with jangling guitars and crisp choral harmonies, rose from the townships and inspired revolution and dance. Meet them, and their hit “Umculo Kawupheli,” in this video.

, ,