Lorraine Klaasen and Mongezi Ntaka are a pair of South African musicians who have teamed up to release their takes on some of Southern Africa’s Township music songbook. Entitled Ukubonga, or “gratitude”, it’s the pairs way of giving thanks to some of Southern Africa’s most celebrated singers and composers.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Steve Walsh
Township music is a genre that’s born from the long history of Southern Africa. From its indigenous tribes, to the dark days of apartheid, right through to modern times, it has endured, though it’s perhaps been a little overlooked outside of its home region. I’m personally grateful for Lorraine and Mongezi for bringing it to light for me.
Ukubonga is rich with messages that touch on all aspects of life – romance & celebration at one end of the spectrum, and social & political commentary at the other. It channels the wisdom of generations and enduring cultural norms into something thoroughly modern.
The music is folksy, with a complex arrangement of percussive and acoustic instrumentals and lyrics that demand to be sung along to. Lorraine and Mongezi performed the tracks live in the studio and you get a sense of raw intimacy from them as a result. Close your eyes and they could be performing right in front of you.
Emotionally, it’s a gamut. Opener Sekusile (Kikirikiki) is vibrant and upbeat – a dance number – while a track like Ilanga Selishonile (“African sunset”) is slower, more stripped-back and thought-provoking. La Reine gives a sense of longing, while Insizwa is jauntily romantic. Its last, bright moment belongs to Can’t Cross Over, a charming cautionary tale.
Ukubonga is a collection of songs that will be reassuring familiar to some and delightfully new for the rest of us. Lorraine and Mongezi render them beautifully, with heart, soul and joy. Together they provide a window into a musical and cultural world that I wish I’d discovered before now, and one to which I will certainly be returning. I welcome you to join me. Ukubonga is out now via Justin Time Records. You can listen to the whole album below.
