Originally released in 1982 on the short-lived Lyncell Records imprint, BBE Music reissues the ultra-rare album African Sunset by South African band Kabasa. Formed in Soweto by vocalist and bassist Tata “TNT” Sibeko, guitarist Robert “Doc” Mthalane and percussionist Oupa Segwai, Kabasa recorded a trio of powerful albums in early-'80s Johannesburg. Having been part of the iconic Afro-rock band Harari, the first ever local black pop band to appear on South African TV, Mthalane and Segwai decamped to team up with Sibeko for Kabasa’s eponymous debut in 1980. ‘African Sunset’ is their third and final album...

If you've never heard of Kabasa before then you're in for a treat with BBE's latest release: a reissue of their third and final LP African Sunset. Yes, as a lot of '80s music seems to a modern audience, it's a little twee. But there's a lot of energy and funky '80s goodness spread over these 8 songs (44 min, 40 sec).

Tracks like 'Sengiyesaba' are instantly accessible and still incredibly catchy, and as a whole this wonderfully captures the alternative scene of the era, which will bring back waves of nostalgia to many.

It might not be a release you dig out and play too often, but for an occasional glimpse into the past this is a fun release.

7

Nick Smithson