Swazi Observer

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MLINDO THE VOCALIST, MAHHOTELLA QUEENS COMING AGAIN

By Simon Shabangu | 2023-09-19

SEASONED multi-award-winning mbhaqanga music legends, Mahhotella Queens and Mlindo The Vocalist will be in the country to be perform at House on Fire at a show dubbed Siyalu Night.

Siyalu Entertainment Director Sandile Nxumalo said the show would feature local artists Velemseni and Msandi Kababa.

He said it would feature artist John Cindi, the ‘Amazwe’ hitmaker who is also a DJ.
He stated that the show would be held at House on Fire’s Amphitheatre on the evening of November 3.

“We are excited to bring to Eswatini the legendary umbhaqanga group, which has inspired many musicians for over six decades.

“There are a lot young artists who are in the music through the inspiration from these legends. Umbhaqanga is a genre that has lived so many years and is now regaining its popularity.

We want upcoming artists and those who are already into music, to experience this group, which is an internationally-recognised ensemble that has toured the world.

As growing artists we also feel and wish we could collaborate with them some day and this show will present an opportunity for local artists to mingle and share ideas with these legends, who have seen it all in the music industry,” he said.

He said they would provide an opportunity for people, especially artists to have access to the coming artists, especially the legendary Amahhotella Queens.

Meanwhile, Nxumalo added that they had invited Mlindo The Vocalist, who is one artist brought in a new sound which is loved by people of all ages.

He said grateful for the support they have received from Eswatini Mobile and Eswatini Meat Industries (Embiveni), who are their main sponsors.

“Tickets are already out and available. Because of limited space in the amphitheatre, people must get tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets to the show are already available at Shoprite and are selling well since we unveiled them.

The Mahhotella Queens is a South African female band formed in 1964 by music producer Rupert Bopape, consisting of Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu, and Amanda Nkosi. The group is noted for their distinct vocal harmony sound, guitar-led mbaqanga music, and fast stage dancing.
Bopape was a talent scout and producer at the independent Gallo Africa's subsidiary dedicated to black music, Mavuthela Music Company.

He formed the Mahotella Queens as the company's resident girl group and the ensemble, often led by the deep-voiced male vocals of Simon 'Mahlathini' Nkabinde, went on to have many hit records during the 1960s.

The Queens line-up during this period usually comprised Hilda Tloubatla, Juliet Mazamisa, Ethel Mngomezulu, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola.

The Queens and Mahlathini were backed by Mavuthela's house band, the Makgona Tsohle Band (including Marks Mankwane on lead guitar and West Nkosi on alto saxophone). In 1972, the line-up of the Mahotella Queens disintegrated after royalty disagreements with Bopape; Mahlathini left the company in a similar dispute with the producer.

However, with a change of membership, the Queens remained productive and popular into the 1970s and 1980s. In 1987, following the explosion of interest in South African music, the Queens line-up was rejigged and three of its original singers – Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola – returned to the group. In combination with Mahlathini, the group forged a successful international touring career that lasts to this day.

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