“Sobabamba” (We Will Get Them) by Udokotela Shange Namajaha

For over 30 years, Rupert Bopape was an important figure in the development and popularity of South African music. Hired by EMI in 1955 as a talent scout, he would help develop the careers of the Dark City Sisters, the Makgona Tsohle Band, and countless others. In 1964 Bopape formed the Motella record label, which was essential in popularizing Mbaqanga, and in a way, helping to integrate (at least musically) a segregated South Africa.

Originally released on Motella in 1983, “Sobabamba” (We Will Get Them) features a trance-like violin as the highlighted voice. I adore this song and while many Western ears may hear hints of Zydeco or Cajun, this is a classic Mbaqanga instrumental.

The songs “Sobabamba” along with “Awungilobolele” would eventually find their way to the influential The Indestructible Beat of Soweto compilation two years later, and a year after that Paul Simon would release Graceland, exposing even more Americans to the wonderful sounds from South Africa.