Mahotella Queens is a South African mbaqanga group formed in 1964 by talent scout and producer Rupert Bopape. Supported by 'groaner' Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde and backed by the Makgona Tsohle Band, the Queens became hugely successful and influential on South Africa's popular music scene during the 1960s and early 1970s. The membership of the Queens evolved during its first two decades but eventually returned to its original line-up. In 1987, Mahlathini, the Queens and the Makgona Tsohle Band were invited to perform in France, leading to several tours across the world. The group continues to record and perform under the leadership of original member Hilda Tloubatla, alongside new recruits Amanda Nkosi and Nonkululeko Maseko.
Links to Peel[]
Peel seemed to have first played the Mahotella Queens in 1977 and would play further records from them on his programmes until the early 00's. Fellow friend and colleague, Andy Kershaw, often played their music on his radio programmes.
Shows Played[]
- 18 July 1977: Ke Ilo Fata Fata
- 21 July 1977: unknown
- 10 January 1979: Igula Lamasi (LP-Rhythm Of Resistance) Virgin
- 23 November 1982: Zulu Vocal Jive () Gumba Gumba
- 29 November 1982: unknown () Gumba Gumba
- 01 December 1982 (BFBS): Indoda Inkulu (7") Gumba Gumba
- 02 December 1982: Lebowa Le Legolo (7") Gumba Gumba
- 05 December 1982 (BFBS): Bayeza (7" - Indoda Inkulu) Gumba Gumba
- 06 December 1982: Safaka La Mmoti (?)
- 12 December 1982 (BFBS): Sufako A Mmuthi phonetic
- 19 December 1982 (BFBS): Sciabinga Laila this is probably a phonetic spelling
- 07 April 1984 (BFBS): Umthakathi (v/a album - Phezulu-Eqhudeni) Earthworks
- 19 February 1986: Zibuyile Nonyaka (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks
- 25 February 1986: Bekumnandi (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks International
- 04 March 1986: Vuka Uzibuke (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks
- 12 March 1986: Asambeni Bafana (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks
- 17 March 1986: Demazana (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks International
- 25 March 1986: Zibuyile Nonyaka (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks International
- 02 April 1986: Bekumnandi (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks International
- 05 April 1986 (BFBS): Bekumnandi (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks International
- 22 April 1986: Vuka Uzibuke (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks
- 04 June 1986: Jive Mabone (Show Them How To Jive) (v/a LP - Duck Food: African Female Vocal Mbaqanga Classics) Earthworks
- 28 June 1986 (BFBS): Wozani Mahipi (v/a LP - Duck Food: African Female Vocal Mbaqanga Classics) Earthworks
- 04 October 1987 (BFBS): Demazana (LP - Izibani Zomgqashiyo) Earthworks International
- 21 June 1988: Siyanibingelela (Gumba Gumba)
- 25 June 1988 (BFBS): unknown
- 27 June 1988: Isidwaba (JP: 'Mahotella Queens from 1976, that’s called Isidwaba or isn't, ha ha ha ha, a little Radio One style joke for you')
- 11 February 1989 (BFBS): Indoda Inkulu (7") Gumba Gumba
- 09 April 1990: Masole A Banana (v/a album - Freedom Fire (The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Vol. 3)) Virgin America Inc
- 21 April 1990 (BFBS): Masole A Banana (v/a album - Freedom Fire (The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Vol. 3)) Virgin America Inc
- 03 October 1985 (BFBS) (And Makgona Tsohle Band): Emthonjeni Womculo (v/a album - The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto) Earthworks International EMW 5502
- 12 February 1986 (& Makgona Tsohle Band): Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo (LP - Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo) Gumba Gumba
- 12 March 1986: Maye Maye (LP - Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo) Gumba Gumba
- 11 November 1987: Kwa Volondiya (In Volondiya) (v/a LP - Thunder Before Dawn - The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Volume Two) Earthworks
- 15 November 1987 (BFBS): Kwa Volondiya (In Volondiya) (v/a LP - Thunder Before Dawn - The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Volume Two) Earthworks
- 24 November 1987: Thuto Ke Senotlolo (Education Is The Key) (v/a LP - Thunder Before Dawn - The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Volume Two) Earthworks
- 24 February 1988 (& Makgona Tsohle Band): Maye Maye (LP - Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo) Gumba Gumba (South Africa)
- 29 February 1988: Nina Majuba (You Pigeons) (CD - Thokozile) Earthworks
- 04 March 1988 (BFBS): Sibuyile (album - Thokozile) Earthworks
- 16 March 1988: Sengikala Ngiyabaleka (LP - Thokozile) Earthworks
- 26 March 1988 (BFBS): Sibuyile (album - Thokozile) Earthworks
- 04 April 1988: Thokozile (LP - Thokozile) Earthworks
- 03 April 1990: Amaqhawe Omgqashiyo (v/a album - Freedom Fire (The Indestructible Beat Of Soweto Vol. 3)) Earthworks
- 25 April 2001: 'Melodi Ya Lla (Compilation LP-Afrique Dynamique)' (Nascente)