BLK JKS - Abantu / Before Human - VINYL LP

The Mankunku Quartet's 1968 album 'Yakhal' Inkomo' clocks in at just over 30 minutes of jazz perfection. This compact, and to-the-point, album would sit comfortably in amongst some of the best works in the catalogues of any of the quintessential jazz labels such as Blue Note, Prestige and Impulse. 'Yakhal' Inkomo', however, was originally released on the South African record tag World Record Co., which resulted in it becoming an elusive and sought-after piece for jazz collectors. First press copies sometimes fetch as much as £1,000 on the collectors' market. It has been long regarded as one of the finest South African jazz albums and DJ / broadcaster Gilles Peterson cemented this when he included it in his Inchbest of genreInch focussed radio show, 'The 20 - South African Jazz'. Album Tracks 1. Yakhal' Inkomo 2. Dedication (To Daddy Trane and Brother Silver) 3. Doodlin' 4. Bessie's Blues

Iphupho L'Ka Biko, the highly acclaimed Africanist experimental jazz band, is thrilled to announce the of their debut EP, 'Azania' vinyl through Canadian record tag, We Are Busy Bodies. Following the success of their two acclaimed singles, 'Abaphezulu', released through Brownswood Recordings, and 'uThixo uKhona', distributed by Platoon. The band dedicated the year 2022 to recording and producing this eagerly awaited EP.Azania delves into a rich tapestry of themes that are close to the hearts of the band members, including spirituality, Pan Africanism, freedom, love, ritual, tradition, culture, and displacement. The EP showcases Iphupho L'Ka Biko's unique musical fusion, blending jazz with indigenous African music of imvumane in tracks like Qamata, and infusing jazz with gospel influences in songs like Singabakho. This eclectic approach reflects the fluidity and diversity of the band's sound, promising an immersive and captivating musical journey. The band's dynamic sound has been honed and perfected through their numerous live performances across the country, which have garnered them a devoted and loyal fan base. Iphupho L'Ka Biko's ability to connect with audiences through their energetic and soul-stirring performances has elevated them tobecome one of Johannesburg's most revered musical collectives. InchAzania the EP is an introduction of Iphupho L'Ka Biko to the world, marking the beginning of a new era,Inch shares Nhlanhla Ngqaqu, the band's founder and composer.A1. uThixo uKhonaA2. SingabakhoA3. Braam StreetsB1. AzaniaB2. Qamata Album Tracks 1. Uthixo Ukhona 2. Singabakho 3. Braam Streets 4. Azania 5. Qamata

Double vinyl LP pressing. 2024 . South African pianist, composer, philosopher, and healer Nduduzo Makhathini travels beyond any existing notion of music-making to offer his most profound vision of creative mysticism yet with uNomkhubulwane, his stunning eleventh studio album which is his third to be released on Blue Note Records following 2020's Modes of Communication Letters From The Underworlds and 2022's In The Spirit Of Ntu. The transcendent three-movement suite-which pays homage to the Zulu Goddess uNomkhubulwane and explores Africa's tragic history of oppression-features Makhathini's trio with bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere on bass and drummer Francisco Mela. The music is both an offering and an invitation to humanity to cultivate ways of being that strive for freedom and balance. Album Tracks 1. Libations Omnyama 2. Libations Uxolo 3. Libations Kwakhangelamankengana 1. Water Spirits Izinkonjana 2. Water Spirits Amanxusa Asemkhathini 3. Water Spirits Nyoni Le? 4. Water Spirits Iyana 1. Inner Attainment Izibingelelo 2. Inner Attainment Umlayez'ophuthumayo 3. Inner Attainment Amanzi Ngobhoko 4. Inner Attainment Ithemba