Search - Mahotella Queens :: Sebai Bai

These grandmothers still got the groove, and what a deep groove it is. Anyone who loves the rhythm, drive, and South African ethos of Paul Simon's landmark Graceland CD will find plenty to marvel at in this bouncy collection of tunes from the townships and beyond. Way back in 1965, the Mahotella Queens were instrumental in creating the urban style of pop called mbaqanga, which mixes elements of gospel with traditional styles. For the second time in their long careers, the Queens have emerged from retirement, this time to record their most accessible and wide-ranging disc yet. Backed by a young and limber band, Sebai Bai varies the pace by including alternatives to straight-ahead mbaqanga hard-chargers like "Kumnyama Endlini," including the a cappella anthem "Masibambaneni" which spotlights the group's sterling harmonies along with their turn-on-a-dime timing. "Dlhaya Mhunu" spins the clock back to just before the reggae revolution by pairing the Queens with a nostalgic but still kicking Jamaican rock-steady beat. Adding to the variety are intervals of English-language lyrics that lend further poignancy to the performances. One thing hasn't changed since the Queens got their start, and that is their ability to deliver sheer joy disguised as music. --Bob Tarte