Township Sessions

by The Mothers

Overview

The origin of Township Sessions can be traced to the Philani Nutrition and Development Project, a community-based organization that provides child health and nutrition services to communities on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. The Philani Mothers choir recorded a cassette in 1998 with British producer Peter Raeburn of a cappella performances of Xhosa-language songs with health education messages. The cassette was distributed in South Africa, and then Peter Raeburn collaborated with other producers and musicians to remix the master tapes of these songs and create Township Sessions. The best tracks tend to be those with tasteful embellishments that don't completely overwhelm the choir music, such as "Milk," a pro-breast-feeding song produced by Raeburn and Nititn Sawhney. Other highlights include "Breathe Together," a Tom Kenyatta-produced track that includes percussive vocal effects by internationally renowned South African singer Miriam Makeba, and the Kid Loco-produced "Learning," which demonstrates that it is possible add funky beats to a choir without destroying the beauty of the original music. On the other hand, the Zero 7-produced "You" sounds a lot better when the choir is up front than during the schlocky instrumental break in the middle, and the slick dance flourishes of the Layo & Bushwacka!-produced "Home" render the song uninteresting. Despite a few missteps, however, most of this collaborative project is successful. ~ Todd Kristel

Product Details

Release Date:	11/01/2005
Label:	MR BONGO
UPC:	5024017000926

Tracks

1. Milk (Ncancisa)
2. Learning (Sizohamba)
3. Breathe Together (Pefumlani Kunye)
4. Support (Yiza Nobhala)
5. Home (Kusekhaya)
6. The Written Word (Nobhala II)
7. Speak for Me (Ndithethelele)
8. Faith (Yilwani Imfazwe)
9. Water for Life (Hiukuhla)
10. You (Likufanele)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Mothers   Primary Artist
Layo & Bushwacka!   Primary Artist
Philani Performers   Primary Artist
Peter Raeburn   Primary Artist,Musical Direction,Musical Director
Primrose Nyoka   Primary Artist
Zandile Mayekiso   Primary Artist
Charlie May   Primary Artist
Miriam Makeba   Primary Artist
Tom Kenyatta   Primary Artist
Soulsavers   Primary Artist
Kalahari Surfers   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Jay Baby James   Coordination
Donna d'Cruz   Liner Notes
Kid Loco   Producer
Warrick Sony   Engineer
Ashley Phase   Mastering
Zandile Mayekiso   Composer,Performer
Philani Performers   Performer
Primrose Nyoka   Composer,Performer
Alexis Maryon   Cover Photo,Photography
Miriam Makeba   Performer
Albert Watson   Photography
Nitin Sawhney   Producer
Zero 7   Producer
Peter Raeburn   Producer
Layo & Bushwacka!   Composer
Faze Action   Producer