South Africa

Putumayo presents South Africa, a CD collection that celebrates the rich musical diversity of this unique country at the southern tip of Africa. With the soccer World Cup taking place for the first time on African soil from June 11 to July 11, international attention will be focused on South Africa and its postapartheid status as a democracy and economic powerhouse.

Putumayo’s South Africa CD is a fusion of the traditional and contemporary, with legends like the late singer and political activist Miriam Makeba, who mixed kwela and township jive on “Orlando,” a tribute to the Soweto township of the same name. The Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and mbaqanga pioneers Soul Brothers are just two of the internationally renowned groups featured on this collection.

The exciting new wave of South African music is represented here by hip and soulful Blk Sonshine, urban reggae and R&B singer Zoro and the popular kwaito-infused grooves of Kaya. Durban-based singer-songwriter Nibs van der Spuy delivers a stirring ballad from his acclaimed 2007 release. Newcomer Bholoja, who hails from the adjoining nation of Swaziland and sings in Swati (one of South Africa’s official languages), has a growing following for his brand of “Swazi soul.” The album also features late folk hero and renowned antiapartheid activist Johannes Kerkorrel, who pays tribute to his beloved land in both Afrikaans and Zulu on “Halala Afrika.”
Tracks
1. Ujaheni Soul Brothers
2. Mbombela Bholoja
3. Oxam Mahube
4. Nkosi Blk Sonshine
5. Beautiful Feet Nibs van der Spuy
6. Mananga Steve Dyer
7. Orlando Miriam Makeba
8. Tiki Tiki Phinda
9. Halala Afrika Johannes Kerkorrel
10. Work Zoro
11. Vulamasango Kaya
12. Ngahlulele Soweto Gospel Choir