September 29, 2016 By Diane Kemp

Ray’s chat 11

Hi Folks ..

So Here we
WITH have RAYS CHAT NUMBER ELEVEN.
We have so far looked at mostly English, Irish and American Folk Songs: But each Country has their own singing traditions.
So I thought we would have a look around.
And one song has been buzzing around in my head as I have been researching various Folk Music over the weeks.
So I am going to feature it this time.
It is a South African song. In fact the only South African Song I knew , Great song. It is called SHOSHOLOZA.
This song became popular in the early 70’s as the South African
Rugby Team used it as their song.
And it became almost a National Anthem in South Africa.

I first heard it at THE JUG OF PUNCH;
The Ian Campbell Group sang it; they called it the alternative name CHOSOLOSO.
They made a really GREAT job of singing it and the place went CRAZY!! But then it is such a GREAT song you just CAN’T not love it!!
Well: The Jug of Punch crowd really loved it. Sang their hearts out and oH BOY!! I reckon the Old Digbeth Floor boards got a right bashing with 400 of us stamping our feet as we sang our hearts out..
Yes yes Memories!! And Yes it has to be My choice for this week.
Unfortunately I have not found the Campbells version.
BUT: I have found some GREAT South African versions.

This version is going to get you wanting to have a go!!
Put in SHOSHOLOZA by TEKWNI TV takes 2.25 Mins
Oh you have to be taken with the enthusiasm of this..
and the video is quite good.

Well I am sure you will have got caught-up with that: and now here is another good one;
SHOSOLOZA AFRICAN SOUND takes 2.38
I found it very difficult to choose between those two.

AND THEN I FOUND THIS ONE
THE DRAKENSBURG BOYS CHOIR – SHOSHOLOZA
Yes: just when you are thinking the the guys at the start are GOOD!! OHHH then it REALLY gets going.
YOU JUST GOT TO LISTEN TO THIS ONE.
You’ll love it.

But just when I thought I’d found the BEST: I came upon this one. And YES this has to be my Favourite.
EIGHT BEAT MEASURE SHOSOLOZA takes 2.39mins
This is an Acappella Version by a group of JUST 15 American Lads. I think these American lads Have done a Great job. They have so much enthusiasm; and it shows. They loved singing this song and they made me feel I would love to be singing with them.
And that lad on the right. WOW What a voice;; and to sing his part against all the other voices. GREAT. I thought for a NON African Group to achieve the Spirit of the song was a real find. I hope YOU like it.
But: Perhaps the Natives will always have the edge!!

I did not come up with much in my search for South African Music
But this is good;
SARIE MARIAS takes 3.04 min
But this is a 1939 Song.. So not really a Folk Song.

Then this: LAND OF GREEN AND GOLD takes 3.19
And again not really a Folk Song.

But YES This is a Folk Song

Put in: UNIZULU CHOIR (University of ZULULAND SOUTH AFRICAN takes 3.28
Well they enthusiastic; but I think I prefer the sort of songs WE call Folk Songs.

So after trawling thro hours of searching, I have only managed to find just a few South African Folk Songs. Try this:
CALON LAN CAPE TOWN YOUTH CHOIR 2.51
I like this. BUT: Doesn’t it sort of sound familiar???
Almost WELSH!! Did you get that? It’s like I KNOW it; but have never heard it before STRANGE!!

Well there you are our trip to South Africa: Did not find much in the way of Folk Songs.
Except: you have to agree that SHOSHOLOZA was worth listening to?
But for our next RAYS CHAT We will search out some Real Folk. Yes
We will chat about the Work Songs, where so many Folk Songs have derived from.
Yes: THE SEA SHANTIES. And who has the BEST Sea Shanties?? Well England was always a Sea Faring Nation.. So it is only right WE have the BEST
Sea Shanties.
See you next time.

NICE CHATTING TO YOU
RAY