Makgona Tsohle Reggi Makgona Tsohle Reggi

“The Band That Can Do Anything - that’s the literal English translation of the name of a band whose creativity, productivity and influence ran far and wide during the notorious era of racial oppression in South Africa. The Makgona Tsohle Band was easily the most popular and highly productive instrumental team in the African music business of the 1960s and ‘70s. Assembled by formidable talent scout and producer Rupert ‘Bops’ Bopape, Makgona Tsohle provided musical accompaniment on literally hundreds of Gallo recording sessions, as well as creating some of the biggest dance hits of the era. They are often credited with the invention of that staple township music, mbaqanga. A big boast – but only a slight embellishment. Makgona Tsohle’s members were utterly crucial to the style’s formation and development, reinforcing the more modern, danceable, electrified jive as the leading force in township music until the mid-1970s.

Makgona Tsohle Reggi was issued only once, in May 1970. It quickly became a collector’s item. This sought-after album now makes its welcome return to African record stores as well as its debut in the international market. The stunning diversity of the Makgona Tsohle Band’s musical genius spans pure sax jive through to swinging ‘60s soul, ska and even hints of rocksteady and ‘reggi’. This is the authentic sound of Soweto as demonstrated by the experts!”

• 1 x 180 gram heavyweight LP pressed by Mobineko Taiwan

• Digitally restored cover artwork on quality 350gsm gloss-laminated artboard

• Includes full colour double-sided insert with extensive historical notes, full personnel and newly discovered Makgona Tsohle photos from the archives

• Strictly limited to 400 copies

• The 50th anniversary reissue of this epic, experimental LP by the Makgona Tsohle Band, South Africa’s answer to the Motown Funk Brothers

• From the genius session team behind the music of the ace Mavuthela jive label and the 'Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens' supergroup

• A unique Soweto take on Jamaican ska, American soul and ‘reggi’, plus the finest 1960s Afro sax jive

• Never previously reissued in any format!

• Fully licensed and transferred from the original master tapes in the Gallo studio vault