We made it! As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to kick off our shoes, enjoy the summer weather, unwind and rewind through some of the great things that happened in 2018. It’s also a time to dance, smile and indulge; and in the playlist below, you’ll do all three. This is by no means your normal festive season playlist (Sorry Boney M, Mariah Carey and Michael Buble); this is a playlist for South Africa that honours us all, our heritage, our December Summer and the carefree spirit of Summer Solstice at 44 Stanley. I’m thrilled to present this playlist to you and I hope that you discover some new favourites and revisit some classics of years gone by. – Bret Dugmore (Mr Vinyl)
TKZee – Magesh (1998)
Considered the most famous Kwaito release of all time, TKZee’s ‘Halloween’ turned 20 years old this year and the festivities were heard all over radio in recent months. Whether you recognise it as that distinct 90s Joburg street sound, or you’re discovering it now for the first time, Kwaito music has a special place in the history and hearts of South Africans. Best heard on vinyl at Mr Vinyl
Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse – Burnout (1987)
No matter who you are, and whatever your taste is, this South African BANGER of a track is about dancing, celebration and foot-tapping happiness. Now 67, and recently touring again, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse is a multi-instrumentalist whom would start his career at Orlando West High School forming the extremely influential and sought-after group The Beaters (later Harari) at the chance of winning a R5 prize from the school principal.
Brenda Fassie & The Big Dudes – Weekend Special (1985)
Weekend Special dominated nightclubs in the 80s and is a feel good tune with an infectious bassline and groove. Bassist, David Mabaso features as the touring bassist for Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse.
Sun-El Musician & Samthing Soweto – Akanamali (2018)
Although released as a single last year, the full length album ‘Africa To The World’ dropped this year to instant acclaim. A progressive masterpiece, that rises and dibs and flows with musical bliss. Best enjoyed on headphones.
Romare – All Night (2016)
It might be a modern underground club hit, but this might very well take you back to the early 44 Stanley Colour Bar days in spirit. Slow, progressive and with the most incredible head-bopping moments towards the end, ‘All Night’ is on the setlist of everything I do this December.
Chicago – Street Player (1979)
Whether or not you’ve heard this track before, you’ve definitely heard it in at least 10 other recent hits. Street Player might be nearing it’s 40th anniversary, but it still gets sampled frequently and little moments of the tune have appeared in numerous others. It’s a funky 9 minute escape and is as fresh now as it was then.
Felo Morez featuring Cafrodeep – First Sight (2018)
Did you know that South Africa has the biggest following of house music anywhere in the world? It’s in our blood, and this chilled, deep-house classic is a treat amongst the spoils of 2018.
Roy Ayers Ubiquity – Everybody Loves The Sunshine (1976)
A frequent favourite at Calexico on a Friday night during Charles Leonard’s vinyl sets, Everybody Loves The Sunshine has inspired hip hop artists, rock musicians and more than a gin and tonic or two.
Thievery Corporation – Amerimacka (2005)
Sitting under the Olive trees at Salvation Café, this is a frequently played and timeless classic that is best enjoyed with Eggs Benedict.
Steely Dan – Hey Nineteen (1980)
A jazz rock classic that is best enjoyed at the Leopard, with owner Nick Gordon dancing. Released on album, ‘Gaucho’, which is nothing short of a masterpiece.