The just released fourth episode of the Gallo Vault Sessions explores the role of talent scouts and producers as proxies for white owned record labels and just how influential they were in shaping the sounds of ‘black music’ in South Africa. But also, how they were the buffer zone between labels who profited off Black recorded music, and the artists who bore the brunt of a financially exploitative industry. And it cemented Johannesburg as the hub of the record industry.
It touches on the legacies of mega producers Griffiths Motsieloa, Cuthbert Matumba, David Thekwane and Rupert Bopape who between them discovered signed and marketed many of the major artists of the era from Dorothy Masuku to the grandfather of maskanda Phuzushukela, Mahlathini and more.
We hear from legendary penny whistler & organ jive player Bra Lulu Masilela from The Boyoyo Boys, who despite writing many major hits never received any song writing credits; as well as Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Bra Mike Swaratle, Gallo archivist Rob Allingham and the charming origin story of Mam Hilda Tloubatla, the original soprano from The Mahotella Queens.
Accompanying episode 4 is a specially curated mix by Naledi Chai from Fly Machine Sessions, exploring the sounds from some of the producers in the show.
The series is narrated by Kineta Kunutu, and researched, produced and written by artist, researcher, DJ Zara Julius at KONJO. Gallo Vault Sessions is presented by Gallo Music in collaboration with KONJO. Episodes one to four are available on select digital streaming platforms with a new episode launched on the last Thursday of the month, until August.
