Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens

Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens
Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, 1988. (L to r): Hilda Tloubatla, Mahlathini, Nobesuthu Mbadu, and Mildred Mangxola.
Background information
Origin	Johannesburg, South Africa
Genres	Mbaqanga, Mgqashiyo
Years active	1964–1972 1987–1999
Labels	Gallo Record Company (1964–1999) Verve World/PolyGram Records

Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens (also known as Mahlathini Nezintombi Zomgqashiyo and Mahlathini and the Girls of Mgqashiyo) were a South African mbaqanga supergroup^[1] made up of the three musical acts linked together by talent scout and record producer Rupert Bopape at the Gallo Recording Company in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1964. The group composed of the following three distinct parts:

• The late Simon "Mahlathini" Nkabinde (1937–1999), a "powerful singer" in the basso-profundo "groaning" style.^[2]
• The girl group the Mahotella Queens (1964–present), the classic line up being the threesome, Hilda Tloubatla, Nobesuthu Mbadu and Mildred Mangxola. Still recording and performing internationally, the trio are noted for their distinct vocal harmony sound alternating between multi-part harmonies and unison vocals, guitar-led mbaqanga music, and fast stage dancing.
• The instrumental band, the Makgona Tsohle Band (1964–1999), that is noted for creating the mbaqanga music style, led by electric lead guitarist Marks Mankwane and alto saxophonist West Nkosi.

Together they were an extremely productive commercial success and a major live attraction in and around South Africa 1964–72. The three parts of the group reformed in 1986–87; following the 70th-birthday tribute to Nelson Mandela at London's Wembley Arena in 1988, the supergroup rose to international renown during the years 1987–97, going on to feature in many international festivals.