In the first of an ongoing monthly series of music/album reviews, Frankly Speaking presents Makisto’s Jukebox which aims to primarily bring you gospel hits and many other music genres. This June, the albums below are rocking Makisto’s Jukebox.
Key to stars
٭This is a boring album, rather buy a packet of chappies
٭٭At least the poor dude tried, you can think of buying it sheim
٭٭٭This is ok and you are not mugged. At least you will enjoy bethuna
٭٭٭٭Exceptional piece of work and deserves to rich platinum status
٭٭٭٭٭This artist goes beyond the call of entertaining their fans. He/she understands that one must first sweat to fork out R100. You must get your own copy, and soon, lol, so this album reaches double platinum status quickly. A classic album all round.
In no particular order, Frankly Speaking presents Makisto's maiden jukebox, enjoya wena.
Kgotso, New Dawn ٭٭٭٭٭
Recorded live at the Rivers of Living Waters Ministries in Sebokeng, this album is set to propel the I Want To Sing Gospel star into a household name.
In creating New Dawn, Kgotso went to Spirit Music Group and worked with first class producers such as Aubrey Peacock - the guy who exec produces gospel stars such as Solly Mahlangu, Benjamin Dube, Keke, among other big stars - and Oupa Montshiwagae.
This album is indeed New Dawn for Kgotso who most arguably breaks new ground with this offering.
My personal favourites include: the excellently reworked Phela ka Thapelo (Track 1), Messiah (Track 2), Siyabonga Jesu (Track 6) and Ke Letlotlo (Track 17) among other songs.
There is no dull song in this album and the un-skipping of songs while playing bears testimony to that. If you want to get down on a Sunday morning before church and listen to some worshipping songs, this album is for you.
Pastor Kgotso, who is a pastor at Fountain of Living Waters, is now a married man of God. He features Pastor Solly Mahlangu in Siyabonga Jesu, Ngibambe (Track 7) and Motho Mang le Mang (Track 8) and Moruti Mahlangu almost steals the show. This is high quality composition and I can’t wait for the DVD.
You will find yourself playing this CD from start to finish then from start to finish again. With a total of 17 songs, New Dawn is a blessing. Moruti Kgotso also did some producing on this album.
For fans of: If you like Pastor Solly Mahlangu’s music, this album will prove to be a great investment.
Theo Kgosinkwe, Grateful ٭٭٭٭
The instalment kick-starts with Ukhona (Track 1), and my brother Theo on this song boasts about a lady he’s leaving [this club] with - the song is a massive hit and it rocked most dance floors in December after Theo pocketed a Sama with the album for Best African Pop album.
The instalment is set to continue being the dance floor hit. All new brides and grooms must listen to Pap ‘n Vleis (Track 3) because, as Theo puts it, marriage isn’t pap en vleis. You lot need to work hard on your marriages to make it work, so to use Theo’s lyrics.
My other faves are, apart from Ukhona, Ongimthandayo (Track 4) and he features Hugh Masekala and that Masekala trumpet makes it very clear who is the star of the song, lol.
In another collabo, Theo features Sama nominee for Best Afrikaans Pop album, Kurt Darren on Lief vir jou. Hoekom, vra al die vroue? Want ons men is baie lief vir julle, dat is die motiveer, hoer jy? Sy is myne, please don’t touch her lol.
Another collabo worth mentioning is the Thinking about you. Ok, I will confess I didn’t like this song until I saw Theo and Zonke performing it on SABC 1’s Live.
Both Theo and Nhlanhla are doing well as solo artists since putting Mafikizolo on hold. With their individual successes, I am wondering if Mafikizolo will still be as big as it used to be. Phela this is the year the duo promised us they are dropping another Mafikizolo instalment.
For fans of: Theo, Mafikizolo. If you are a Theo fan and you still haven’t bought this one, shame on you lol.
Njabulo, Ithemba likhona ٭٭٭٭
My brother here is talented and I am surprised he hasn’t been on Gospel Time yet. This album is sheer masterpiece loaded with 11 tracks. What sets him apart from the crowd is his vocal identity.
The opening song Hleli ngingedwa is a beautiful song that will have you tapping your feet wherever you are.
My favourite song from the album is Thel’umoya (Track 5) in which he features Zodwa Twecu and their collabo delivers a great praise and worship song. Each time I play the song on my jukebox I can’t help but feel that the Holy Spirit descended from heaven and fellowshipped with them during recording time.
You see, if you wanna be reminded of church on Sunday, this is a song to listen to. For the first time in a very long time, I found a song that is able to usher me to the presence of the Lord. As Njabulo sings in Zulu: We need the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Great work all round. Every once in a while, an artist that must leave a mark in the gospel industry is born and right now, that person is Njabulo.
You know, he is one of many people who took his demo to Bula Music and it was especially selected from many demos and he was called to come and work hard to deliver this masterpiece. Onobubele (Track 6) is a typical abazalwane song that will see you jumping up and down worshiping the Lord.
I am not the one to always say this, but well done Njabulo. Uzo jabula all the way to the bank wena, angithi!
For fans of: Sipho Makhabane. Definitely worth your hard earned money, I say.
Rebecca Malope, Ukuthula ٭٭٭٭٭
Ukuthula is literally translated as Peace and this album perhaps is Rebecca’s way of telling her millions of adoring fans that she is at a point in her life where she has peace and has never been happier.
With an illustrious worshipping career that spans over 27 years, Rebecca is still as relevant as ever. With this album, Dr Ribs proves for the 32nd time that she is worthy of the Queen of Gospel title.
This offering sees Sis Ribs returning to Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane and the result is an exceptional piece of work. She features her producer Sipho and Sechaba on Yiza Nkosi (Track 2). Sechaba’s big voice attempts to upstage Rebecca on this song but due to her vocal excellence, you can tell it is Ribs who is holding the fort on this one.
Ke Tshepile Wena (Track 3) takes us back to basics of gospel music and the essence of our ultimate trust in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
The title track, Ukuthula’s (Track 4) low pace will present you with an opportunity to reflect on your life and the role the Lord plays in it. In track 10, Uthando, she features Sharon Dee and the result is endless questions about love.
Ngiphendule (Track 7) will see you through storms in your life and this album came at the right moment in my life. Essentially, this album is yet another remarkable platform for Rebecca’s remarkable voice to still give hope to her adoring fans who just simply cannot get enough of their favourite star.
This album deserves a Sama and a Crown Gospel Award. Beautiful stuff, as always! Le teng, what do you expect from a Queen of Gospel! Phela this is the only singer who had a seat at the Samas. Rebecca is a megastar bandla!
With this album, Dr Malope is nominated in the Africa Gospel Music Awards in the UK for Best Gospel Album category. She is pitted against Pastor Benjamin Dube and many other African gospel legends. All the best to Dr Ribs and Paastor Dube. You lot need to start voting njengamanje.
For fans of: If you like Rebecca’s music, this album is worth adding to your Ribs collection and the new generation of music buyers may also want to invest on it.
Angel Noko, Rorišang٭٭٭٭
Unquestionably vocally talented, Angel is well placed to delivery her Pedi vernec songs and she throws Zulu worshipping songs here and there. She is a singing sensation and has the potential to give Rebecca Malope a run for her money.
The album kick-starts with the title track Rorišang. Though she has a very distinctive vocal identity, it is clear she draws inspiration from Rebecca.
The beats of her music set her apart from her peers and is bound to build herself a legion of fans if EMI really sweat in marketing her. She composed all the songs in this album and it is clear she has massive talent.
Released a few months ago and produced by Thami Mdluli, this album’s songs should be in most gospel radio shows. Nkosi yamakhosi (Track 2) and Jesus is number one (Track 3) are classics.
On Mmolayi (Track 4) Angel displays massive boldness you can only understand after listening to the song. On prayer Makgonatšohle (Track 6) she hits the right chords and brings home some harsh reality about life and offers hope by praying to the Lord about all adversities.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t pick up this album at Musica but hey, don’t judge a CD by its cover should be the golden rule. This album is worth adding to your gospel collection. Angel was part of the Soweto Gospel choir. She is a breath of fresh air in the gospel music industry.
For fans of: If you like Rebecca and Angel Noko’s music, you will surely like this woman [and her sexy lips, lol.]
Siphokazi, Ethembeni ٭٭٭٭٭
Her move to EMI has been scrutinised well by Cheesa and I will only speak about the album. Siphokazi is definitely a well endowed songster and she too is a talent that will last for generations to come.
The opening song, Khumbuli’khaya isn’t about Andile Gaelisiwe-Carelse’s show but to put it in Siphokazi’s words, this is a song about “a woman pleading for her husband to come back home.”
The slow pace of the song is relaxing and can be used for meditating. Siphokazi has the ability to appeal to people across age groups.
I didn’t know Siphokazi can speak Pedi/Tswana until I listened to Uwedwa (Track 2). On this song she features music by Gabriel Stuurman. “The song is calling on people to put their trust in God – not in men. It’s also about how God wants a one-on-one relationship with you,” Siphokazi explains.
She features the Jaziel Brothers on Invelaphi (Track 4) and the outcome is superb stuff. The entire album is filled with great songs and you will not regret anything, lol.
This album is bound to elevate her already considerable career to even greater heights. Ethembeni is deeply rooted in Afro-traditional musical stylings.
For fans of: Siphokazi, Lira. This album is great music deserving every praise it’s getting from me.
Zodwa Twecu, Mdumiseni ٭٭٭٭
Praise and worship is the future of gospel and giving praise unto the Lord is the in-thing. This trend will not fade anytime soon and will last for a lifetime, at least according to Makisto.
This is so as Zodwa shows on her title track, Mdumiseni (Track 2). The song is so beautiful and Zodwa’s magnificent voice will make you fall in love with Jesus time and again.
Throughout this album, only Christians who understand their relationship with God can understand the anointing Zodwa has. After all, this is a purified woman of God.
You know, I am in awe of Zodwa who still manages to praise God regardless of the tragedy that befell her in 2009. A number of people will remember that in March 2009, this woman lost her mother, husband and son.
Her determination to keep on holding unto the Lord despite of all adversities is testament about her meaningful relationship with the Lord. It isn’t many who can continue to be stronger after suffering from such a blow. It is very clear she listens to God’s message.
This emanates clearly on Thula ulalele (Track 6). Uziveze (Track 7) is a beautiful Zulu song and you will enjoy it.
For fans of: If you are a fan of meaningful and Zodwa music, this is for you. Definitely worth every penny.
Lundi, Uhambo Lwami (My journey) DVD ٭٭٭٭٭
The cinematography of this DVD is breathtaking, combined with Lundi’s grand choreography, this DVD isn’t just about gospel music but entertainment as well.
With this one, you kill two birds with one stone. Very few gospel artists have the ability to produce blissful and entertaining DVDs. Size Sifike Ezweni (Track 1) sees Lundi showing us all he’s got the best way he knows how.
I am not sure about the “shirt” Lundi is wearing on track 1, though. When I reviewed the CD, I gave it 3 and 1/2 stars but the DVD deserves the 5 stars awarded above.
Lundi’s extras/dancers display sexy and enticing dance moves and you will just simply love them on Buya Mhlobo buya (Track 3). Track 3 is arguably about the Biblical prodigal son. Lundi tells me the song is about him. “This song is about me. I was lost and I returned to Jesus, ” he told me when I interviewed him last year.
The story lining of the songs does good justice to each song. There are very symbolic events and incidents in all 12 tracks and they represent the power of God, and of course, it is done the best way Lundi knows how.
Lundi has a naturally slender body but I couldn’t help and notice he’s lost weight on this DVD. When Lundi announced he was going to take a break from the music scene, I was resentful.
After having watched the DVD however, I just have to agree that Lundi needs to go back home and recharge his battery and come back a much better person and even a more wiser person.
I just have to state that Lundi is my favourite artist in the whole world and I am his number fan and I have no valid competition. There is a behind-the-scenes set in the Eastern Cape and it’s Lundi and his friends just chilling. And Lundi is wearing a skinny jean, lol!
He also plays netball with his niece and it’s kind of cute. In essence, Lundi proves he indeed has a personality set for the stage and that he was born to do this, regardless of what the devil says.
For fans of: If you love Lundi, this is a must have.
Sechaba, Mangihamba nawe DVD ٭٭٭
This was released in 2009. Makisto asserts it is better late than never. Besides, gospel music isn’t time bound.
In recording the DVD, Sechaba went to the proverbial South African State Theatre and the Tshwane crowd just goes crazy. They are just a beautiful bunch of audience.
I have always had issues with Sechaba’s semi-dancing because it’s very clear the brother can dance but he limits himself. He seems shy to dance but hey man Sechaba, when on stage, Makisto thinks you need to just let your hair down, lol.
On Ntataise (Track 2) with the lyrics asking for guidance from God, I say this is a prayer and Sechaba’s shy personality works for him on this prayer.
Udumo Kuwe (Track 4) has always been my fave song since I laid my hands on the album two years ago. It's about giving God all the glory and I don’t see Sechaba’s body language doing that. On this song, the Tshwane audience upstages him and show him exactly how to praise.
On a DVD, Makisto would like to see more action because I have the CD and the purpose of the DVD is to elaborate what you mean by your lyrics. I am not saying Sechaba must jump up and down but just needs to show us this is a DVD.
The DVD is lovable nonetheless and I know Sechaba fans like me already have this one. The CD has 10 songs minus the instrumental from the CD. On the DVD, Sechaba added songs such as Kuhleke (from his self-titled debut album) Abanomona, Eloyi and Khetha eyakho. Satisfactory DVD overall.
For fans of: If you love Sechaba and Lundi, this is for you.
Joyous Celebration 15 Live at the ICC Arena, Durban, My gift to you, part 1 DVD ٭٭٭٭٭
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The opening is beautiful and what a perfect way to introduce the entire Joyous Celebration family. After all, it isn’t many recording groups that have lasted for over a decade.
The choir enters the stage dressed in JC regalia and it’s just great.
The Durbanites go wild when co-founder Lindelani Mkhize is introduced on the stage.
Sibonile amandla akho sees the JC choir singing yet another great song and it’s one of my favourites. Moruti Patrick Duncan reminds us on Track 3 that Is the anything too hard [for God].
Mercy Mndlovu makes a comes back with another great Tsonga song titled Xikwembu Xahina (Track 7). This song reminds me of Saturday 19 December 2009 when I was strooi-ing at a friend’s wedding.
I remember during reception my wedding-day partner and I were sang this song for our reception entrance lol. Oh wena, teka teka teka!!!!!!
The big women of JC make big and full figured look like the new sexy. Move over skinny singers, the women of JC are here, ok, lol!
Nobathembu Mabeka’s tracks, Madihambe nawe and Siyabonga Jesu (Tracks 12 and 13) are other big classics, just like her. She has a big voice and it fits her unique phisique. I love this woman and I also like how she dances and runs on stage.
May I be the first one to say Nobathembu is ready to record her very own debut album? This woman displays that your body shouldn’t be an obstruction to reaching for the stars. Is it just me or is Nobathembu getting bigger and bigger with each JC instalment? I mean both physically and vocally, and I am not complaining baby. In fact, I am loving it.
Ayanda Shange closes the show (Part 1) with Ushilo Njalo and he brings something new to the JC family. Lindelani must be smiling because this guy is yet another great talent JC has discovered. I hear Part II of the CD and DVD is releasing on 2 June.
For fans of: If you like Joyous Celebration, you should be running to your nearest Musica store. After all, you lot got paid today.
Win!
Dr Ribs seen at the 2011 Sama in Monte Casino. Makisto believes Dr Ribs has never been happier...
Makisto is giving away some CDs (Zodwa X2; Njabulo X2; Angel Noko X1; Rebecca Malope X1) and one DVD (Sechaba X2) courtesy of EMI and Bula Music.
To stand a chance to win one of these goodies, simply answer the following very simple questions and email your correct answers to makisto@tvsa.co.za In your competition entry email, include your TVSA username as it appears on this site i.e Snuca Babe shouldn’t be written snuca babe.
If you are not a registered TVSA blogger, all you need to do is register, enter the competition and stand a chance to win. Or better yet, you haven't been blogging so let regular bloggers win ((((((((((hides)))))))).
Only correct answers will be entered into the draw. Winners will be contacted via their TVSA social inbox. By entering this competition, you automatically agree not to say anything about your winnings until Makisto announces all June winners on Makisto’s July Jukebox on Thursday 30 June. Failure to reply to the inbox within 20 days after you have been contacted makes you a loser by default and another winner will be contacted.
Winnings cannot be exchanged for cash. Makisto’s decision is final and no negotiations will be entered into. Winners will win any CD as per lucky packet withdrawal.
Enter to stand a chance to win:
1. Rebecca – Which song from Rebecca’s 32nd album, Ukuthula, will see you through personal adversities?
2. Angel Noko – What is the name of the song in which Angel prays to The Lord about life’s harsh realities?
3. Njabulo – What is the name of his title track?
4. Sechaba – where did Sechaba record the live/DVD version of this album?
5. Zodwa – Which song will make you fall in love with Jesus all over again?
To enter, send all your correct answers to makisto@tvsa.co.za by Friday 3 June 2011, 13:00 and type the words Makisto’s June Jukebox in the subject line.
Thanks to my buddying journalist Bonga Percy Vilakazi for hooking me up with EMI