Madala Kunene – the true African Bluesman and King of the Zulu guitar – has a long history of being interpreted, copied, remixed and loved by generations of young musicians, producers and DJ’s. Bafo’s (as he is lovingly referred to) first dance hit was Ubombo, a Drum’n Bass remix by Bristol duo Smith & Mighty which was released in 1997 on MELT2000’s Music With No Name Vol.1 album and CD.

The EP starts off with Igwababa by Swiss DJ and producer SYOST who features a blend of organic house, deep house and afro-tribal sounds with live-recorded instruments and SYOST’s signature live guitar performances.

Black Motion needs little introduction except that they have a long history of working with Madala Kunene’s music starting off with a Tribute on their first album, a collaboration that also involved drummer & Madala’s friend for 5 decades – the late Mabi Gabriel Thobejane. In 2023 they released Rebirth Of the Drum with a remix of Abangoma – one of Bafo’s most liked songs. For the release on M2KR Black Motion created a version allowing Chris Lewis and myself Robert Trunz to work on their mix – we call it the NORTH LONDON MIX.

Sanibonani was the choice of the Deeper Kings Duo with Morena Eric Lenkoe and long standing producer Castro B who worked on remixes of practically every MELT 2000 artist.

 
3rio Symphony is a cutting-edge and creative music production team blending creativity, innovation to craft unforgettable sonic experiences. The team’s passion and imagination turns every composition into a symphony of emotion, setting new standards with their remix of Washa.

OddXperienc Music is a gifted duo from South Africa’s soulful/vocal house music scene. The partnership is DJ and producer, Edwin Baloyi, known as ‘Ed Iz Odd,’ and the equally talented Kgomotso Ramahotswa, referred to as ‘Kaygee Iz Odd’. Their musical journey together began back in 2008 when they joined forces in the vibrant city of Johannesburg. “Manikiniki Iz Odd” remix is a journey through the pulsating beats and melodic rhythms crafted by OddXperienc.

 
We conclude the album with a 2023 live recording from the Westville Theatre Club (Durban, South Africa) of one of Madala Kunene’s unforgettable duo performances with guitarist Guy Buttery. It’s a new unplugged version of Konko Man – the first album and song to recorded by MELT 2000 in 1995.

Enjoy your first REEL of many to come musical journeys trough the works of Bafo & his many Friends.

Robert Trunz