Matanazana by Lakhiza Ndawonde: A Timeless Slice of 1973 South African Soul
If you’re into raw, heartfelt music that feels like it was plucked straight from the earth, Matanazana by Lakhiza Ndawonde is your jam. Released in '73 under the Soweto label, this album is a treasure chest of African folk vibes with just enough grit to keep it real. It’s not polished or overproduced—just honest tunes that hit you right in the feels.
The title track, “Matanazana,” grabs you by the ears and doesn’t let go. The rhythm is steady, almost hypnotic, while Ndawonde’s voice wraps around you like an old friend telling stories by the fire. You can tell this song comes from somewhere deep—it’s got soul, man. Written by Ndawonde herself and arranged by C.B. Matiwane (who also produced the whole thing), it’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Maybe it’s the way her vocals crack ever so slightly at times, or how the guitar lines weave through the melody like they’ve got minds of their own. Either way, “Matanazana” sticks with you long after the record stops spinning.
Then there’s “Bayakeleni,” which hits different but still packs a punch. This one feels more celebratory, like it’s daring you not to tap your feet. The percussion here is infectious—simple yet powerful—and the chorus has this chant-like quality that makes you wanna sing along even if you don’t know the words. There’s something about the energy of this track that feels alive, as if everyone involved in making it knew they were creating something special. And honestly? They did.
What makes Matanazana stand out isn’t just its sound—it’s the vibe. Listening to it feels like stepping back in time to a small gathering in Soweto, where people are laughing, clapping, and living fully despite everything stacked against them. It’s messy, beautiful, and unapologetically human.
Here’s the kicker, though: for all its charm, this album probably didn’t get half the attention it deserved back then. But maybe that’s okay. Sometimes the best things stay hidden until someone stumbles across them decades later, dusts them off, and realizes what a gem they’ve found. So do yourself a favor and give Matanazana a spin. Trust me—it’s worth every scratchy note.
Oh, and hey, fun fact: I swear these songs make my houseplants grow faster. Weird, huh?
