John Peel Wiki

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UPDATE: As the change is now in force for some users, I have switched the navigation to the simplified one for the new system. Please check Navigation in the Help section if you can't find things. I also initially made small adjustments to the front page layout, but have now reverted to the old look until all users are on the new system.

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John Peel Wiki

"Jumbo and Mary Vanrenen ran Earthworks from their front room, before starting Earthworks Records. The most appealing of the 23 or so Earthworks releases is a compilation called 'The Indestructible Beat of Soweto', which featured on all lists of the best of '85 compiled by persons of taste. It features work by such key ensembles as Umahlathini Nabo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo."
(John Peel, Observer, 2 Feb 1986)[1]

Links To Peel[]

On 15 February 1983, Peel played a track from the Kanda Bongo Man album 'Afro Rythmes Présente Kanda-Bongo-Man' on the Afro-Rythmes label, sent to him by Earthworks co-founder Jumbo Vanrenen as part of efforts to get African records more widely heard in the UK. The DJ had previously played the first release on Earthworks Records, by London-based Orchestre Jazira, on 12 October 1982.

Writing in the Observer in 1986, the DJ cited Earthworks Records with fellow specialist independent labels such as Stern's, DiscAfrique and GlobeStyle as “smaller operators [who] knew that there had never been any serious possibility that African music would make the pop charts, and that what was needed was the establishment of a catalogue of releases that would sell steadily over the years as people learned of the potency of the music.”[2]

With world music a regular part of his shows from the 1980s, Peel would continue to play Earthworks releases over many years, including albums by artists such as Thomas Mapfumo and Mahotella Queens, as well as numerous compilations, taking in five volumes of the 'Indestructible Beat of Soweto' series and three "Zimbabwe Frontline' collections. Records on the label would also feature heavily on the shows of Peel's colleague and friend Andy Kershaw.[3]

In 1987, Jumbo Vanrenen turned the business over to Trevor Herman, moving on to head the Mango world music label at Island for over a decade.[4] After earlier tie-ups with Rough Trade and Virgin, Earthworks was sold to Stern's in 1992.[5]

In June 2022, 84 Peel show C120 cassettes covering the period 1979-1983 from the collection of Earthworks co-founder Jumbo were sold at auction and subsequently became known as the Omega Tapes.

Sessions[]

(Artists featured on Earthworks releases, including compilations, who recorded Peel sessions. Please add more information if known.)

Mentioned[]

  • 15 February 1983: (John refers to the taper of the Omega Tapes, Jumbo, who's trying to get African records more generally heard in this country, has an organisation called Earthworks, and sent him the following record.)
    - Kanda Bongo Man: Mazina (album - Afro Rythmes Présente Kanda-Bongo-Man) Afro-Rythmes
  • 24 March 1983: (JP: “And the other morning I broke bread with my chum Jumbo Vanrenen, formerly of Virgin Records, now of Earthworks, his own label, and he's also importing African records, which I was very pleased to find out about, because it means I'll now be able to hold of them without having to spend far too much money on them. And this is a record that will be coming out as a single on Earthworks Records, not quite sure when….”)
    - Four Brothers: Makorokoto (7") Earthworks DIG 002

Compilations[]

(Known plays by John Peel of various artists releases on Earthworks, listed chronologically by first play, including joint releases with Stern's after 1992. Please add more information if known.)

(LP - Viva Zimbabwe: Dance Music From Zimbabwe) Earthworks ELP 2001

(LP - Zulu Jive / Umbaqanga) Earthworks ELP 2002

(LP - Phezulu-Eqhudeni) Earthworks ERT 1002

(LP - Go South) Earthworks CERT 4001

(LP - Viva! El Ritmo - Cuba Baila / Cuban Dance Music) Earthworks International EMW 5501

(LP - The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto) Earthworks EMW 5502

(LP - Duck Food: African Female Vocal Mbaqanga Classics) Earthworks International EMW 5505

(LP - Thunder Before Dawn; The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Volume Two) Earthworks EWV 1

(LP - Hurricane Zouk) Earthworks EWV 2

(LP - Heartbeat Soukous) Earthworks EWV 3

(LP - Zimbabwe Frontline) Earthworks EWV 9

(CD - Spirit Of The Eagle (Zimbabwe Frontline Vol. 2)) Earthworks CDEWV 18

(LP - Freedom Fire - The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Vol. 3) Earthworks EWV 17

(LP - Guitar Paradise Of East Africa) Earthworks EWV 21

(LP - The Kings And Queens Of Township Jive (Modern Roots Of The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto)) Earthworks EWV 20

(CD - Kenya Dance Mania) Earthworks CDEWV 24

(LP - Jit - The Movie) Earthworks CDEWV 23

(CD - Jive Nation - The Indestructible Beat of Soweto, Vol 5) Earthworks / Stern's STEW34CD

(CD - Roots Rock Guitar Party - Zimbabwe Frontline Volume 3) Earthworks / Stern's STEW40CD

(LP - Tea In Marrakech) Earthworks / Stern's STEW44CD

(CD - Kwaito - South African Hip Hop) Earthworks / Stern's STEW42CD

(CD - Desi Nation: A Collection Of Nu-Bhangra Grooves) Earthworks / Stern's Music STEW48CD

(CD - Tulear Never Sleeps) Earthworks / Stern's Music STEW49CD

See Also[]

Links[]