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Wednesday 7 May 2014

Tsonga Disco: Colonel Mhlongo

As promised, here is the first of the batch of Tsonga CDs I brought back from South Africa. We start with Colonel Mhlongo, a new name on the scene who looks well set to be a force to be reckoned with for some time to come.

The Colonel (real name Amado Mhlongo) is from the Mozambique branch of the Tsonga family and, as befits a military man, is a protege of our old pal General Muzka. The General produced and co-wrote the Colonel's album "Mamazala", and it made a big impact on its release last year. The album was nominated as album of the year at the 2013 Xitsonga Music Awards, while the Colonel himself was nominated as best newcomer. Two tracks, "Vomadzendze" and "Machangana", were nominated for song and collaboration of the year respectively. So let's go for those two to save me having to make a decision for myself, which would be hard because it is an exceptionally fine record.

"Vomadzendze" - Colonel Mhlongo

"Machangana" - Colonel Mhlongo feat. General Muzka

From Colonel Mhlongo we arrive, via a circuitous route taking in Colonel Abrams and Father Abraham, at this all time classic. That business with the receptacle on the right gets me every time. My enjoyment is even more genuine than that of Peter Powell.


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