Assagai – Afrorock

Assagai – Afrorock

Afrorock is the later title given to Assagai's second and final album, originally released in 1971 as Zimbabwe. The London-based group brought together some of the most important South African musicians working in Britain at the time, including saxophonist and pianist Dudu Pukwana, trumpeter Mongezi Feza, drummer Louis Moholo and saxophonist Bizo Mngqikana. The album also features percussionists Terri Quaye and Smiley De Jonnes, vocalist Martha Mdenge and members of British progressive rock group Jade Warrior.

The music sits at a fascinating crossroads between South African jazz, Afro-rock, African rhythms, funk and progressive rock. "Barazinbar" opens with a driving ensemble sound, while Martha Mdenge's contributions "Wanga", "La La" and "Bayeza" bring a strong vocal and African folk element to the record. Dudu Pukwana's "Dalani" and the percussion-led "Sanga" further demonstrate the mixture of jazz improvisation and African rhythmic traditions at the heart of Assagai's sound.

The album was recorded at Nova Sound Studios in London and produced by Dave Watson. Jade Warrior members also contributed to the record, with their involvement extending beyond playing to writing and arranging several pieces. This connection gives Afrorock an additional progressive-rock dimension, while the performances of musicians such as Pukwana, Feza and Moholo connect the album to the influential South African jazz community that had developed around musicians who had previously worked together in The Blue Notes and related British jazz projects.

The original Zimbabwe album appeared on Philips in 1971, while the album was subsequently reissued in the UK by Music For Pleasure/Sounds Superb in 1975 under the title Afrorock. This edition is therefore particularly useful to distinguish from Assagai's self-titled 1971 debut, which has a completely different tracklist.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Barazinbar
2. Wanga
3. La La
4. Dalani

Side B

1. Bayeza
2. Sanga
3. Come Along
4. Kinzambi