Amampondo always attracted the attention of sonic collaborators. From the booming trance remixes of the mid-nineties to the cyber producers of the new millennium. With the emphasis of rhythm on the 21st century dance floors, DJ’s have been lining up to get a sample of the Mpondo power beats. With Electric Pondoland we introduce you toa few choice cuts from among the many creative artists and producers who have been inspired by Amampondo. Enjoy listening to how traditional African music can revive the digital and laptop revolution, always maintaining its inherent dignity.

1. HOHOHO (3:30)
Saafi Brothers and Amampondo feat. Mabi Thobejane, Michael Kohlbecker, Gabriel Le Mar, Dizu Plaatjies, Michel Ludonga, Mandla Lande & Simpiwe Matole
Recorded at Bowlcourt’s Juno Reactor Studio in London during the Nottinghill Carnival of 1997. German Saafi Brothers are one of three groups to collaborate with Amampondo in 1997.
2. ABANTU ABADALA (5:38) remix by Chris Lewis and Nick Cohen in London UK. Chris was responsible for a many Amampondo recordings during the 90’s. He has toured extensively with the group making sure the audience is served a proper front of the house mix putting across the raw and beautiful sounds of South Africa’s master percussionists and marimba players.
3. UTHANDO LUPHELILE (6:29) by MADOSINI – Azanian Pulse Remix by Rudeboy Paul Taken from the album RUDEBOY AZANIAN PULSE (CDRBP 001).
4. KING OF THE PONDOS (5:07) from FIDEL MPONDO with Madosini, Dizu Plaatjies and Mzwandile Qotoyi/  MOZAIK UK remix) Remix using samples from the album MADOSINI – POWER TO THE WOMEN (BWSA 108). Remixed by Juno Reactor collaborator Mike McGuire and Voodo People in London around the time when the collaboration between Juno and Amampondo was in its infancy.
5. LESLEY 4WAY (5:22)
Kris Weston, Simpiwe Matole – Marimba Solo, Dan Zamani – Marimba Treatments, this track originates from one of 3 different collaboration of AMAMPONDO with members of the Dance and Electronica elite. This time Simpiwe went into the studio with ex ORB member Kris Weston. Lesley 4Way gives a taste of what Kris was up to during the recording of the album which took place not long after he left ORB.
6. VUYANI (MAMA DANCE! REMIX)(4:14)
Amampondo and vocals by Dave Mxolise Mayakane
Remixed by Cape Town’s most groovy and dance label Mama Dance!
Special thanks and respect to Craig McGahey for his help and strong belief in local artists.
7. MANTOMBI MATOTIYANA Embo remix by Ragga and 2Les.
Composed by Mantombe Matotiyana, original recorded by Chris Lewis at Brownhill Farm Studios England
8. DJEMBE AMAM (4:06) Amampondo
Composed by D Plaatjies, S Matole, M Qotoyi, M Lande & N Ludonga,
9. INNER CITY (6:25) Lungiswa remix by THE GRID.  Lungiswa’s Xhosa rendition of Marvin Gaye’s song attracted UK outfit THE GRID who came up with this remix. In 2000 she released her first solo album with MELT produced by Tony Thorpe in London.
10. MAKHULU (GRANDMA) (5:54)
Dizu Plaatjies, Greg Hunter and Nandipha Nojilana
Recorded by Greg Hunterin Langa(Cape Town) in 1999 and effects added at Greg’s studio in London.
The music was composed by Dizu, Greg and Nandipha. Greg’s gift encountering traditional artists lead through a series of great ambient Orientated albums of which Alien Opera Second Wave remains my all time favorite.
11. SALAWENA (5:54) Amampondo (Dub remix by Smith & Mighty in Bristol UK) Previously unpublished Dub version of the original Salawena remix first released on the album Music With No Name Vol.2
12. JOURNEY (8:48) Amampondo and Juno Reactor ( this track was never released by Juno Reactor)
Ben Watkins, Taz Alexander, Nick Burton, Mabi Thobejane, Michael Ludonga, Dizu Plaatjies, Simpiwe Matole, Mandla Lande Composition by Ben Watkins, Nick Burton, Mabi Thobejane, Michael Ludonga, Dizu Plaatjies, Simpiwe Matole, Mandla Lande
13.  HULE LAM (4:01) Juno Reactor feat Amampondo, Ben Watkins, Mabi Thobejane, Michael Ludonga, Simpiwe Matole, Mandla Lande.

THANKS to All the Amampondo (past, present and future) family for giving us great rhythms for three decades –  Respect!