Genre: Traditional
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The Mahotella Queens represent so much of what is the best in the music of South Africa:  the finely honed art of passionate singing, the latticework of funky rhythms, and the breathtaking art of spectacular live performance

See the Queens in Concert: http://africarythms.com/index.php?option=com_zoom&Itemid=11&catid=5

Recipients of the Womex 2000 Award as “world music artist of the year” at the recent Womex Conference in Berlin, The Mahotella Queens are South Africa’s foremost afro-pop singing group.  The Queens - Hilda Tloubatla, Mildred Mangxola, and Nobesuthu Mbadu – first sealed their place in  the legend of urban South African music in the early 1960’s when, together with Mahlathini (the “Lion of Soweto”) and the musicians of the Makgona Tsothle Band (“Band Who Knows Everything”),  they  invented Mbaquanga, a strong and explosive potion of various types of traditional music (Zulu, Sotho, Shangaan, Xhosa) mixed with Marabi (South African jazz) and American r&b, soul and gospel.

In promotion of their new recording, this legendary ensemble will tour North America for the first time in over 6 years – bringing with them their irresistibly rich vocal harmonies, relentless swing rhythms and a stunning stage show that has already thrilled audiences the world over.