Assagai
Zimbabwe
Release Overview
Assagai's second and final studio album, titled Zimbabwe, was released in late 1971 under the Philips label. This London-based group combined elements of Afro-rock and Afrobeat with progressive sounds. The album followed their earlier work planned for Vertigo, but it is distinct in its rich blend of musical influences.
Musical Collaboration
The album features an impressive lineup of musicians. Key contributors include South African jazz exiles from Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath. Dudu Pukwana plays alto saxophone and piano, Mongezi Feza is on trumpet, and Louis Moholo provides drumming. Vocalists Martha Mdenge, Bizo Mngqikana, and Fred Fredericks also enhance the sound, alongside percussionists Smiley De Jonnes and Terri Quaye. The British progressive rock trio Jade Warrior, consisting of guitarist Tony Duhig, flutist and percussionist Jon Field, and bassist Glyn Havard, acted as the studio rhythm section. They contributed three original compositions to the album, titled "Barazinbar," "Sanga," and "Kinzambi."
Production Details
Zimbabwe was produced by Dave Watson and engineered by Richard Dodds at Nova Sound Studios in London. The production quality reflects the innovative spirit of the era. The album's artwork, illustrated by Roger Dean, features a stunning gatefold sleeve that adds visual appeal to the vinyl format.
Musical Style
The album presents a unique fusion of South African kwela and township jazz melodies, Afro-funk polyrhythms, and West African highlife. The brass arrangements complement the progressive rock guitar textures, creating a diverse auditory experience. With eight tracks, including “La La” and “Bayeza,” the album captures a variety of moods and styles, showcasing the versatility of the musicians involved.
Release Format
Zimbabwe was released on vinyl in LP format, contributing to the album's authentic feel and sound quality. This format was popular during the early 1970s, making it accessible to a wide audience of music enthusiasts.
Assagai's Zimbabwe was released on Philips in 1971 and features contributions from multiple musicians across genres.
Tracklist
| A1 | Barazinbar Written-By – Havard* | |
| A2 | Wanga Written-By – Mdenge* | |
| A3 | La La Written-By – Mdenge* | |
| A4 | Dalani Written-By – Pukwana* | |
| B1 | Bayeza Written-By – Mdenge* | |
| B2 | Sanga Written-By – Field* | |
| B3 | Come Along Written-By – Mdenge* | |
| B4 | Kinzambi Written-By – Duhig* |
Credits
- Alto Saxophone, Piano – Dudu Pukwana
- Backing Band – Jade Warrior
- Congas – Terri Quaye
- Congas, Percussion – Smiley De Jonnes
- Design [Sleeve], Artwork [Drawn By] – Roger Dean
- Drums – Louis Moholo
- Engineer – Richard Dodds*
- Producer – Dave Watson
- Tenor Saxophone – Bizo Mngqikana
- Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Fred Fredericks
- Trumpet – Mongezi Feza
- Vocals – Martha Mdenge
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