TRACK LISTING Disc one: 1. a) Nkosi Sikilele I'Afrika, b) Shosholoza (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) 2. Shebeleza (Joe Mafela) 3. Usizi (Izingqungqulu Zomhlaba) 4. Mbube (Mahotella Queens) 5. Thula Baba (Bekithemba Heralds) 6. Vinqo (Shaluza Max) 7. Ungavumi (Jabu Khanyile) 8. Beautiful Mama's (Mbongeni Ngema) 9. Imbizo (Phuzekhemisi) 10. Ayabizwa Amagama (Kwela Tebza) 11. Awuthule Kancane (Mahlatini & the Mahotella Queens) 12. Lengoma (Bhekumuzi Luthuli) 13. Qinisela (Steve Kekana) 14. 1906 (Bambata) 15. Hamba Bhekile (Margaret Singana) 16. Amanyala (Umzansi Zulu Dancers) 17. Skhebereshe (Mpume) 18. Idlozi (Soul Brothers) Disco two: 1. Mzilikazi (Dorothy Masuka) 2. Impi (Juluka) 3. Ubuhle Bakho (Shabalala Rhythm) 4. Isisho Sabadala (Old Saying) 5. Ngikwethembe Na? (Lucky Dube) 6. Safa Isizwe (Sarafina Cast) 7. Mmalo-We (Bayete) 8. Ngiyobathola (Sipho Gumede) 9. Mfaz Obga Phesheya (Busi Mhlongo & Twasa) 10. Wozani (Sipho Hotstix Mabuse) 11. Imyeneni (Ipi ‘Ntombi Cast) 12. Inkosana (David Hewitt) 13. Vukani (Dark City Sisters) 14. Inkanyezi Nezazi (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) 15. Isonto Lezayoni (Phineas Mkize) 16. Abasebenzi (Nhlanhla Jili) 17. Inyakanyaka (Tu Nokwe) 18. Mngani Wami (Nganeziyamfisa No Khamba Lomvaleliso)

For those unfamiliar with Zulu vocal music, there are two distinct styles – the township-rooted Mbaqanga, which is characterised by strong rhythms, vocal harmonies and deep lead “groaning” male vocals, and Mbube or Iscathamiya, an acapella form originating in the 1920s out of the vocal competitions held by migrant labourers who had left their families behind to work in factories or the mines, living in all-male hostels. Mahlatini typifies the mbaqanga style, while Ladysmith Black Mambazo are typical iscathamiya performers.

Zulu Offerings From South Africa, a double-disc album, covers both styles and compiles the best of their proponents from the past and present. Some of the tracks, like Solomon Linda's 1939 classic, “Mbube” (performed by the Mahotella Queens), are more traditional, while others, like Shabala Rhythm's “Ubuhle Bakho”, blend programmed grooves with iscathamiya.

Almost everyone who is anyone in Zulu vocal music is on this collection. Artists include Joe Mafela (“Shebeleza”) Jabu Khanyile (“Unguvami”), Steve Kekana (“Qinisela”) and Bayete (“Mmalo-We”) as well as favourites like Juluka (“Impi”), Margaret Singana (“Hamba Bhekile”) and Lucky Dube (“Ngikwethembe Na?”).

My favourite tracks are the versatile Joe Mafela's “Shebeleza”, the haunting “Skhebereshe” by Mpume, David Hewitt's “Inkosana” and “Vukani” by Dark City Sisters. But the best track on the album has to be “Hamba Bhekile” by Margaret Singana. Those of us who remember the TV miniseries Shaka Zulu will recognise this as the theme song, but the lyrics are Zulu and the music has been modernised, with the addition of electronic sounds, electric guitar and thumping drums, making this a fantastic version.

Although it probably won't be to everyone's taste, the album is a fantastic tour of Zulu music. If you buy it for a gift, listen to it first, because once you do you may be reluctant to give it up.

I hope Gallo brings out more ethnic compilations. South African indigenous music has a rich heritage and should be promoted. My only complaint with regard to this album is that some classic performers like Miriam Makeba and songs like “Madoda Ngenzeni Na?” and “Inyoni” have been left off, but then there is only so much you can fit on a CD.

Overall rating: 2

Rating guide:

1: I have to have it
2: I'd buy it, but it has its flaws
3: I wouldn't buy it, but I'd keep it if it were given to me
4: I wouldn't buy it, but I won't ask you to switch if off
5: I don't want to hear it

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