BCUC – Emakhosini (Buda Musique, 2018)
South African band Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) plays a remarkable form of rhythmic jam music that features singing, harmonic chants, call and response interactions, lots of percussion and trance-like electric bass. Soweto-based BCUC defines its music as Africangungungu and it is also known as afropsychedelic music. It is rooted in South African indigenous music and ritual songs.
Emakhosini contains only three tracks and two of them are over 15-minutes long. This is fascinating stuff, very organic and different from the South African gospel choirs that tour the world.
The lineup includes Zithulele ‘Jovi’ Zabani Nkosi on lead vocals and mbomu (thumb piano); Kgomotso Neo Mokone on backing vocals, tambourine, shaker; Letlhogonolo Atlarelang Maphunye on backing vocals, whistles, noise-whistle and cow bell; Thabo Saul ‘Luja’ Ngoepe on backing vocals, raps and bass drum; Daniel Thabo ‘Cheex’ Mangel on congas; Ephraim Skhumbuzo Mahlangu on bass drum; and Mosebetsi Jan Nzimande on bass.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.