Black Soul features a who's who of intergenerational musicians from great South African bands over the decades. In addition to Zacks Nkosi, the renowned bandleader of the Jazz Maniacs and long-time member of the African Swingsters in the 1940s and 50s, this album includes kwela star Little Kid Lex Hendricks, known for his Columbia recordings of the late 1950s; as well as Zack's son Jabu Nkosi who would go on to play with The Drive, Roots and Sakhile; and Banza Kgasoane later a member of The Beaters, Harari and then Mango Groove.
Now remastered for its first release since the original 1972 pressing, this lost gem offers a revealing glimpse into the evolution of South African music during a transformative era.
Zacks Nkosi (Sax), Patrick Jabu Nkosi (Organ and Flute), Anderson Nkosi (Lead Guitar), Given Sabela (Bass Guitar), Kid Lex Hendrix (Sax), Banza Kgasoane (Trumpet), Peter Morake (Drums), Hamilton Nzimande (Musical Director). Original LP issued in South Africa on GRC’s CBS label (LAB 4037) in 1972. Produced for reissue by Chris Albertyn and Matt Temple at Matsuli Music, and Siemon Allen at Flatinternational. Original vinyl sourced from the Flatinternational Archive. Artwork restoration and design by Siemon Allen. Audio restoration, mastering and lacquers by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Manufactured at Pallas, Germany.
Matt Temple and Chris Albertyn established Matsuli Music in 2010. Since then the label has released close to 30 albums, with newly commissioned liner notes, archival photography, and remastered audio from the best available sources. In addition to historic recordings from the late 1960s and 1970s Matsuli also explores future classics from contemporary artists such as Derek Gripper, The Brother Moves On and the Kyle Shepherd Trio.