JANE MAYNE reviews
The sheer brilliance of the South African songbook highlights a compositional tradition cemented by the union of different voices. That recognisable ‘South African sound’ has resulted in a unique hybrid of endeavours, which borrows from everything from marabi to kwela, mbaqanga, Big Band, American jazz, choral traditions, Cape jazz, and more. Underpinning it all is the complex experience of just being South African – which has lent a kind of gravitas to expression born of suffering and triumph.
Now young Asanda Mqiki makes a welcome contribution to the heritage jazz tradition with the launch of a compelling debut solo album, Nobakithi.
The perfect voice
A versatile vocalist, Asanda has distilled Nobakithi to represent what could be her signature sound: “I’ve been performing a lot with different bands, but the main reason is because I’ve been trying to find my sound. I can’t necessarily say that I’ve found my perfect sound yet because of all the various musical influences I have, but the path that I’m on is one that I’m excited about. I can say that I have found the perfect voice which is also part of finding the right sound and with that voice I am ready to re-introduce myself to the audience on this album.”
Nine track playlist
Nobakithi’s opening track, MBULELO, is a tribute to Mqiki’s parents and their ancestors. Versatile guitarist Ben Badenhorst, who has been seen playing everything from desert blues to deep grooves, adds colour with mbaqanga inflections.
The moody, reflective push and pull of the title track, NOBAKITHI, sets the tone of the album with a kind of weighted profundity that conveys the emotive depth of this Port Elizabeth singer. It’s not hard to see why this is her mom’s favourite song – which spurred Asanda on to dedicate the album to her mother. “The first time I performed it for my family they loved it, and that moment felt like it was a blessing for the song, because when I finally decided to introduce the song to an audience, they loved it. That feeling, and experience has shaped my career ever since,” she adds.
Nobakithi is co-composed with drummer Thoba Goba. It tells the story of a young girl who leaves home to make it in the big city. Like many before her, she makes mistakes, but is reminded that “she can and should always, come home”.
A romantic interlude, I’VE GOT YOU, is more of a vocal-orientated vocal piece – a love song extolling the joys of coupledom. Then the dancefloor beckons with the mischievous NAUGHTY PIRATE, a fun reggae-inspired track dedicated to a generous donor from Asanda’s crowdfunding campaign, and co-written with his partner. Qaqambile Qingana adds bounce on synth.
The cool jazzy scat of CHINA CHINO FUNK adds the chill factor, showcasing Mqiki’s clubby jazz-funk roots. But the slap and pop bass-driven CARAMELLO is the ultimate Nobakithi highlight for me. Written for Mqiki’s partner it’s a got an alluring, lazy funky groove that gets you nodding, tapping and moving as soon as the bars unfold. It’s got a great big, winning feel-good sound – a fabulous crowd-puller!
The magnificent finale, TAKE SIX, sees the singer send Brubeck’s Take Five into a spin with a bed of bubbly percussion and marimba tones overlaid with isiXhosa lyrics – a heady reworking of the jazz classic. Extra bonus: Two radio edits, Mbulelo and Nobakithi, complete the release.
A life tapestry
All songs feature the full Asanda Mqiki band: Thoba Goba on drums, Mthokozizi Mabuza keys, Qaqambile Qingana synths, Grant Allison electric bass, Joash Soobramoney sax and Kamva Goba on percussion. Ben Badenhorst guests on two tracks.
A range of musical influences are infused into the works on Nobakithi. But ultimately Asana Mqiki reaffirms that this is “jazz to make you happy, music that touches your heart.”
“Since I went solo in 2013, I have looked forward to the time when I could record my music, sharing it with as many people as I can. This album is a tribute to the rich tapestry of where I have come from and the people whose lives have woven their stories with mine to build the current picture.”
All in all, Nobakithi springs from a genuine, inventive space. Praiseworthy music that makes one a keen participant anticipating the next step in Asanda’s boundless artistic journey.
What: Asanda Mqiki Nobakithi album
Album release date: 3 September 2018
Available: For digital purchase and/or streaming across platforms including iTunes, CD Baby, Google Play, Spotify
Asanda Mqiki album order CD: www.asandamqiki.com
Asanda Mqiki Website: www.asandamqiki.com
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/asanda.mqiki/ https://soundcloud.com/asanda-mqiki, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCryWeBGTGb0WuACKF1pi2CQ Twitter: @asanda_mqiki, Instagram: asandamqiki
Hashtags: ·#AsandaMqiki #Nobakithi
WS
