Mahlathini Video (DVD)

Mahlathini Video (DVD) showcases Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde, renowned as the lion of Soweto. His deep baritone growl and regal cloak of skins made him to be called the undisputed King of South Africa’s urban pop scene. Mahlathini Video (DVD) showcases his talents together with those of his backup groups, the Makgona Tsotle Band and the Mahotella Queens. Simon Mahlathini Nkabinde is widely acknowledged as the father of Mbaqanga, which is a line of musical influences at the heart of the Soweto beat and currently tops the charts.

You will see in the video an interview of Mahlathini’s guitarist, Marks Mhangwane, who talks about the origin of Mahlathini’s music. He traces the origin to the streets of Soweto. He says Mahlathini’s music came about as a result of the harassment the group experienced in Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Malawi at the hands of white South African police.

25 minutes long.