Uwineza’s ‘Wings’ teaches you how to sit still again
A quiet, stripped-back album that asks you to slow down, listen inward, and trust what surfaces in the silence
ALBUM
Johnny Clegg in retrospect: it all began with Juluka
This piece was first published in October 2000 to mark the 21st anniversary of ‘Universal Men’, the celebrated debut album by Juluka.
PODCAST: Bad blood in Graceland
In this Sound Africa podcast Lungile Sojini revisits the story of the Graceland album
Kendrick Lamar, the first rapper to win a Pulitzer
Kendrick Lamar has become the first non-classical, non-jazz artist to win the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for the music category
Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere’s ‘Sapphire’ refracts emotions
Bell le Pere is a helluva name but so is the music he played at Jo’burg’s The Orbit.
Owiny Sigoma Band mixes the old and new
A deep ancestral sense and passionate electronica characterise the Owiny Sigoma Band’s third album.
Rising star Leon Bridges brings the soul back
Leon Bridges was washing dishes a year ago – today he’s a fast-rising star
Amara Touré – an enigmatic exemplar of Afro-Cuban music
Guinea’s Amara Touré’s passionate wails prompt questions about how such sensual music could sink without a trace until now.
Tim Hendricks changes tune
The musician has moved beyond the immediacy of live sound to greater depth and complexity.
A sonic journey with Vuma Levin
Guitarist Vuma Levin’s music draws on various philosophies and genres that result in a lean, decisive sound.
Deep Read: The path to Graceland
Gus Silber delves into the legacy of Paul Simon’s quintessential album ‘Graceland’, as the musician prepares for his world tour.
Going to Graceland 25 years on
Plans for a gig in London have revived the controversy over Paul Simon’s boycott-breaking
1987 album.
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ANC municipality goes uptown for launch
The ANC in Johannesburg launched its manifesto in the five-star Park Hyatt hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Grand National
Long-time underdogs make a play for rock ‘n roll glory, and it’s very convincing, says <b>Lloyd Gedye</b>.
No shame in fame
Retro Essex guitar queen Gemma Ray is about to arrive in South Africa for a nationwide tour
New rumbles in the jungle as hip-hop meets rumba
Without a doubt, one of Africa’s finest pop moments in 2010 comes from young Congolese MC Baloji.
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Africa and beyond
From the legendary Pops Mohamed to Côte d’Ivoire’s rising female superstar, Dobet Gnahoré, we review the latest African music releases.
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They were chosen to open the World Cup and are the South African music industry’s sexiest export, writes <b>Lloyd Gedye</b>.
Reflective beats
Jacob Israel’s new album is his most mature work to date, a classical-influenced recording of sublime electronica, writes Lloyd Gedye.
Independent and irie
Beginning with an Afrobeat stomp, Tidal Waves’ fifth album, <em>Manifesto</em>, is a powerhouse album from South Africa’s finest reggae band.
