Tula Ndivile

Going down the rabbit hole of jazz in the 1960s and 1970s led us to Johnny Dyani, which of course led back to Miriam Makeba. There's something so majestic and uplifting about her singing in these early South African vocal groups, like the Manhattan Brothers. I also recall shocking a South African person when, back in the day, I could sing some of these tunes.

Saduva, or Tula Ndivile

Believe it or not, I did not recognize that these two songs are indeed the same, proof of why I need to learn some Xhosa, or whatever language this song is in. Though her early recording of the song with the Manhattan Brothers is my preferred because of the background vocals and the instrumentation's style (less "Americanized" in the sense of Makeba's later recordings), her voice really shines later. Still, the later, funkier version at a faster tempo is quite uplifting! Another later recording, sung slowly with more attention to her angelic voice's approach, is another highlight of South Africa's greatest singer. Upon discovering "Saduva" is the same song she performed with the Manhattan Brothers earlier in her career, I wonder how many of Makeba's solo songs were not covers of her early repertoire...

Malayisha

"Malayisha" is a fun, bouncy South African tune sung in Xhosa, I believe. I cannot tell if it's a traditional song or not, but Miriam Makeba as well as The Manhattan Brothers, a group she performed with, have recorded versions of the song in what may be the mbaqanga style or marabi style. Anywho, if it is a folk song, then it appears to be a work song about a lumberjack. Enjoy!

Miriam Makeba's version is my favorite. Her voice soars above and beyond the chorus in that irresistible style and beautiful lyrics.

The Manhattan Brothers try, but fall far behind Miriam Makeba. Their version is more rooted in kwela and marabi, probably because it was recorded in the 1950s. Catchy, though not nearly as powerful, in terms of vocals, than that of Mama Africa.

Ginette Ravel does a nice cover based on Makeba's that's not unbearable. Here is a European version that ain't too bad, either.

A South African choir sings "Malayisha" here and it's also quite infectious. Unfortunately, it begins with a Zulu song that isn't nearly quite as playful or upbeat.