Ntombi Ndaba is one of the key figures of South African Bubblegum. In addition to her standout voice, she was talented in songwriting, mixing English and her native Zulu in some of her songs. Mina Ngilijaji (“I am the judge”) has a courageous and empowering message claiming her independence as an artist and a woman.
Thanks to the success of the reissue of “Tomorrow” on Afrosynth records in 2018, she is touring again after 30 years away from the spotlight and she will soon be performing at the amazing festival Lente Kabinet this year.
Discogs (original): https://www.discogs.com/Ntombi-Ndaba-Mina-Ngilijaji/release/9963101
Discogs (reissue): https://www.discogs.com/Ntombi-Ndaba-Tomorrow/release/11584965
Peter M – Let’s Go Dancing – 1985
Amazing song from one of my favourite Bubblegum album, discovered thanks to the legendary DJ Okapi and its Afrosynth Blog. It is a perfect representation of the essence of Bubblegum music, a fine blending of American influences of Funk / Disco and African rhythmics. Sadly, Peter M shared the same fate than many Bubblegum bands, being instant hits but also discarded as quickly (which partly explained why the music was called “Bubblegum”). Thus, it is very difficult to find the album today.
Discogs : https://www.discogs.com/Peter-M-Get-Up-And-Dance-/release/4574847
Jams & Gems 