Formed in Soweto by vocalist and bassist Tata “TNT” Sibeko, guitarist Robert “Doc” Mthalane (described as the Jimi Hendrix of South Africa) 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 and is produced by the band with songwriting duties shared between founding members Sibeko and Mthalane as well as newly-joined percussionist and flautist Mabote “Kelly” Petlane. Taking in psychedelic rock influences alongside shades of jazz, funk and more traditional sounds, ‘African Sunset’ is a timeless album, standing out to this day thanks to its heavy grooves, great songwriting and superior musicianship.
With original pressings of ‘African Sunset’ now virtually impossible to find, BBE Music is delighted to present this carefully remastered version that includes original artwork.[info sheet from distr.]