{"title":"The Movers","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"kansas-city","title":"Kansas City","description":"\u003cp\u003e1979 township disco funk masterpiece from one of South Africa’s most prolific bands of that era. An extremely rare and in-demand record from the disco-funk group has been unearthed and restored. The Movers enjoyed huge success in the 1970s, releasing album after album of ground-breaking sounds, including fusions of South African marabi jazz, funk, disco and jive. The line up of the band shifted throughout its existence - however this particular album produced by David Thekwane features musicians Jabu Sibumbe, L Rhikoti, Lloyd Lelosa and Sankie Chounyane.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soundway","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50384450552139,"sku":"1015049","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/image004_4ef80466_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726299297"},{"product_id":"soweto-disco-shanana-voodoocuts-edits","title":"Soweto Disco \/ Shanana (Voodoocuts Edits)","description":"\u003cp\u003eLongtime label friend and supplier of numerous edits, \"Voodoocuts\", teams up with \"Matasuna Records\" again for a new officially licensed 45. This time he puts his hands on two disco gems by the South African band \"The Movers\", one of the most important South African bands that shaped the country's music scene from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. The songs \"Soweto Disco\" and \"Shanana\" from the late seventies get the Voodoocuts treatment with his typical precision and attention to musical detail. The fusion of South African music with international influences such as jazz, funk and disco is an explosive mix and a secret weapon for every record bag.\nVoodoocuts kicks off the single with his stunning edit of \"Soweto Disco\". The original is already extremely infectious and energetic, with a grooving bass, opulent horn sections, wild organ parts and a relaxed reggae vibe. But Voodoocut manages to give the song an extra kick with his skillful rearrangement, drumming and the addition of loops, filters, effects and samples. The edit effortlessly takes the song into the present to deliver a killer cut for the dancefloor.\nOn the flip side, \"Shanana\" is another delicacy from the band's later creative period. Although the mood is more relaxed, it's a wonderful song with its distinctive bass and guitar lines, as well as the great organs that are always present. Voodoocuts Edit builds up the song slowly to give the instruments enough space to unfold. A wonderful jazz-funk tune with a disco touch, enhanced by the Voodoocuts treatment.\nArtist info:\nThe story begins in the turbulent townships of South Africa in the 1960s, when unknown musicians and brothers \"Norman\" and \"Opa Hlongwane\" approached \"Kenneth Siphayi\", a wealthy businessman, with the idea of supplying them with musical instruments in exchange for a share of live performances and record sales. Siphayi agreed and even became their manager, providing them with a rehearsal space and an organist. This was the beginning of the band \"The Movers\", whose name was also given by Siphayi.\nThe Movers developed a unique sound that combined traditional South African rhythms and melodies with influences from American soul, jazz and funk. Their sound was both danceable and emotionally profound. Inspired by the challenges and hopes of everyday life in the townships, their music took listeners' hearts by storm. Their energetic performances and catchy melodies quickly made them one of the most popular bands in the country. This was reflected in the sales of their first album, \"Crying Guitar\", which sold over half a million copies in the first few months after its release.\nBut their music was more than entertainment; it was an expression of the hope and resistance of an entire generation. Despite their immense popularity, The Movers, like many other black artists in apartheid South Africa, faced many challenges: Segregation, censorship, and limited opportunities to bring their music to a wider audience. However, they overcame these challenges. Their song \"Soweto Inn\" even became the soundtrack for the student revolts of the mid-1970s.\nHowever, the band also experienced repeated upheavals due to a change of band members and the dismissal of their manager in 1976. The gap was filled by the producer, who took a more active role in the band's musical direction. By the end of the 1970s, none of the original members were still active and the musical landscape in South Africa began to change. The emergence of new musical styles and political pressure from the apartheid government presented challenges to the band. Despite these adversities, The Movers remained active, recording new music and proving their adaptability and creativity.\nEven after their active time, the legacy of The Movers has remained alive. Their music is still listened to and appreciated today, and they are considered trailblazers for many musicians in South Africa. More than just a band, The Movers were a voice of hope and cultural expression in a difficult time. Their music remains an enduring symbol of the strength and spirit of South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Matasuna Records","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50421757837643,"sku":"2223105","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_783f1d60_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726760256"},{"product_id":"vol-1-1970-1976","title":"Vol. 1 1970-1976","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough their first record was entirely instrumental, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Movers\u003c\/strong\u003e started working with different singers soon after – scoring a nearly hit with 14 year old vocal prodigy \u003cem\u003eBlondie Makhene\u003c\/em\u003e – and enriched their sonic palette with horns, extra percussion and various keyboards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir stylistic range also expanded, incorporating elements of Marabi, Mbaqanga, jazz, funk, and reggae into their soul-steeped sound. But the essence of their music came from the almost telepathic connection of its founding members: the simmering organ of Sankie Chounyane, the laid-back guitar lines of Oupa Hlongwane, the energetic bass grooves of Norman Hlongwane and the simmering rhythms of drummer Sam Thabo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe band reached their apex in the mid-1970s, and their hit \"\u003cem\u003eSoweto Inn\u003c\/em\u003e\", sung by Sophie Thapedi, became inseparable from the student revolts that signaled a new resistance to the apartheid government.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1976, however, their manager was forced out, and their producer started to play a more active role in the band's direction. By the end of the decade there were no original members left. But at their height, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Movers\u003c\/strong\u003e were titans of South African soul who left a legacy of over a dozen albums and countless singles of pure groove. On \u003cem\u003eThe Movers 1970–76\u003c\/em\u003e, Analog Africa presents 14 of the finest tracks from the band's undisputed peak.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Analog Africa","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50464123093323,"sku":"1160120","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50464123388235,"sku":"1160118","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/566bf82a-9e96-4b6e-b9ef-6307f8b95acb_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727270726"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/collections\/the-movers.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}