Foster Manganyi “Na Tintsumi Ta Tilo NDZI Teke Riendzo no. 1”

Foster Manganyi's 'Ndzi Teke Riendzo' is Honest Jon's compelling follow up to the shocking 'Shangaan Electro' comp of a few months back. Recorded in 2008 and originally released on cassette, it's the work of a pastor from Giyani, Limpopo, South Africa, and shares much of the Shangaan sound's preference for, dry, skittering drum machines, melodic marimba percussion, whistles, and those unmistakably South African vocal harmonies. But there's one fundamental difference; the intentions behind the music. While the Nozinja productions of Shangaan are purpose built for partying, Foster conveys spiritual, religious messages through his personal brand of Electro-Gospel. But, like most folk outside of SA, we don't have a clue what he's saying and can only run with what we know - this album sounds and feels amazing. Generally the pace is slower than the breakneck Shangaan sound, but you will find uptempo essentials like the title track, translating as 'I'm Taking A Journey', and the flighty 'Ndzi To Tivisela' (I Will Keep On Praying), while the slower cuts such as 'Zion' and 'Amen' are filled with licks of high-life guitar and offer a more transcendent vibe for Foster to really sing it like he means it. However, regardless of the production palette, there's something unmistakably pure and beautifuly traditional in this music that can't be ignored. Highly recommended!