Hugh Masekela - The Chisa Years: 1965-1975 (Rare and Unreleased)

"Hugh Masekela and Stewart Levine met in 1961 at the Manhattan School of Music. They became friends, roommates, and collaborators. They began experimenting with putting together groups of African singers, studio musicians, and a fusion of South African township jive and urban gospel. The two started the CHISA label together in 1966 just before the pair scored big with Masekela's smash, 'Grazin' in the Grass.' After the success of that track, they put more money into their label, and scored a distribution deal with Motown. The 14 sides here, on Chisa Years: 1965-1975 (Rare and Unreleased) are little known or forgotten tracks from the CHISA years. It's true that the Crusaders recorded for CHISA in this period, but there are no tracks by them on this set -- though most of the band appear here in one form or another. None of Masekela's hits are here either. And it's just as well. What is collected on this disc is a vibrant slew of cuts recorded by the pair. ..."
allmusic (Video)
Discogs
amazon
Spotify
YouTube: Afro Beat Blues, Macongo - Hugh Masekela & Letta Mbulu, Baranta with Miatta Fahinbulleh - Witch doctor, Baranta feat. Miatta Fahinbulleh -- Amo Sakesa, Cantaloupe - Best cover ever, Baranta with Miatta Fahinbulleh - Ahvuomo