COMMITTED ARTISTS LAUNCH AUDIO DISC RELEASES

Mbongeni Ngema’s organisation launches three notable new compact disc audio releases.

At a function held at Durban’s Hilton Hotel on November 3, Mbongeni Ngema’s Committed Artists celebrated the launch of three notable new compact disc audio releases making their debut appearances on the South African recorded music scene.

These releases are the noted Isicathamiya group Usuthu’s eagerly-awaited second album, Halala 2010; House Music expert DJ Mlisa’s hot–property new disc entitled Urban Ethnic Vol 1, giving a new face to traditional hits: and Reflections, a remarkable release by the internationally acclaimed Danish group, Papaya, featuring a compilation of songs sung in isiZulu on the programme.

With the exception of its title song, composed by Mbongeni Ngema himself, all the numbers recorded on Halala 2010 are composed by Musa Ntuli. Track titles listed in order include: Halala 2010; Qondeni; Mellow Yellow; Amaviyo Amabili (featuring Tokolo); Isiginci (featuring Mbongeni Ngema); Nomalindi; Leleti; Ama Call-back; Abantu Banjalo; Skhumbembe; Myeke Ahambe; Jiro Mfowethu; Ngiyakusaba Mhlaba and Sanlam Centre. Produced by Mbongeni Ngema for Committed Artists Music, the disc was recorded at Durban’s United Rhythms Studio, and mastered by Richard Mitchell at RM Recordings in Johannesburg.

With Mandla Ka Nozulu as its executive producer, DJ Mlisa’s stylishly presented Urban Ethnic features a listing of 14 tracks. Titles included are: It’s me baby; Lalala; Othumela Incwadi (featuring Vusi Zulu); Vala; Umphumo; Is’khala Sendoda; SHO! Leyo; Wangishiya; Amazwe (featuring Tresor Risiky); Ndonisia (featuring Vhahangwele Lilimu); Eish!; Bamba Isandla Sami; Lion of the East; and Ngiboshiwe (also featuring Vusi Zulu). More information about DJ Mlisa and his new disc is available by logging onto www.sholey.co.za/mlisa or www.myspace.com/djmlisa

The vocal group Papaya was founded in 1986 and has specialised in performing and interpreting the traditional songs and music of Southern Africa. Most of Papaya’s repertoire has been learned from cultural exchanges with local South African choirs and groups. Papaya is considered a splendid vocal group and is widely acclaimed for giving the finest exchange of music and cultural experiences between Denmark and South Africa. The vocal group counts 18 singers.

Throughout Scandinavia, Papaya's live concerts are opening the audience ears to the culture and soul of South Africa. Papaya has previously, with recognized acclaim, toured South Africa, singing in concert halls, churches, schools, Zulu villages, townships as well as for 6,000 people at a Massed Choir Festival in Johannesburg in 2001. Papaya even had the honour of meeting and singing for Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Papaya recently visited Durban and Johannesburg, promoting the South African release of Reflections which is available on Mbongeni Ngema’s Committed Artists record label.