by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

IzangoMa are a 15-piece ensemble from Pretoria, South Africa, led by vocalist / guitarist Sibusile Xaba and the DJ and producer Ash Kgabo, whose credits also include keyboards, snare drum and drum machine.

Xaba had the idea of expanding their musical collaboration to include his students from Mozambique, who he had nurtured for years and had seen grow into experienced musicians.

Their debut album, whose name translates from Zulu as ‘from / by my mother’ is built on themes of creation, heritage and female energy.

What’s the music like?

Memorable. There is some remarkable music-making on this album, as IzangoMa embrace structures big and small to communicate compositions of striking intensity.

Right from the off this album is a call to arms, Agenda Remember throwing down the gauntlet with a herald-like vocal. This leads to a flurry of bird song and syncopated percussion on Birds (Of A Feather), then a descriptive evocation of the twinkling City Lights. Le Nna Mfana is more intense, with Xaba singing of “surrender to the almighty”.

These four compositions are effectively a prelude to the centre of the album, where two extended, compelling meditations take over. The first of these, Mgung u Ndlovu, starts with saxophone and guitar in extended conversation, before the vocals take over in what sounds like a hymn to nature. Ngo Ma is more animated as it tells its story, with Xaba’s intense delivery the feature.

After these there is still plenty to enjoy, especially the Tribute To Johnny Dyani, a tribute to the late member of the Blue Notes. “Yes you photo man, yes you video man, we love you, we really really do!”, sings Xaba.

Does it all work?

It does. Occasionally chaotic but never dull, this is an album full of musical invention and lyrical warmth.

Is it recommended?

Yes, enthusiastically. This is an inspirational collaboration, part celebration and part meditation. More please!

Listen

Buy