Disco

Gumba Fire (Bubblegum Soul & Synth-Boogie In 1980s South Africa)

Year: 07 Mar 18

Format: gatefold 3xLP

Add to wishlist Email me when available

£34.99

Free shipping over £100

Track List

The Survivals - "My Brother"
(4:46)
Stimela - "Mind Games"
(5:33)
Hot Soul Singers - "Hlala Nami"
(4:12)
Zoom - "Wayawaya"
(5:26)
Ashiko - "Gumba Fire (Madlakadlaka)"
(5:39)
Monwa & Sun - "Heartbeat"
(4:48)
Ntombi Ndaba - "Do You Trust Amajita?"
(3:49)
The Black Five - "Selallane"
(3:30)
Starlight - "Picnicing"
(3:56)
Zasha - "Hayi Ngodlame"
(4:41)
Joshiba - "Gloria"
(5:00)
Sabela - "Africa"
(4:56)
Condry Ziqubu - "She's Impossible"
(5:55)
General Peter Maringa - "Listen To Me"
(7:49)
Zasha - "Arrow Dub"
(4:50)
Ozila - "Wola Wola"
(9:05)

“Every track on this compilation is worth playing — pure 80s South African bubblegum soul and synth-boogie fire.”

Why I Stock This Record

This is a Bubblegum Soul & Synth-Boogie In 1980s South Africa must-have from Soundway. It features strong tracks like Stimela’s “Mind Games”, Zoom’s “Wayawaya”, and Ntombi Ndaba’s “Do You Trust Amajita?” — but honestly, I genuinely play every track on this album, whether I’m listening at home or performing out.

The whole compilation captures that vibrant, groovy, and creative energy of the South African scene in the 80s. It’s full of catchy melodies, punchy rhythms, and that unmistakable bubblegum/synth-boogie flavour that still sounds fresh today.

If you’re into disco, boogie, or digging for international gems with real character, this Soundway release is a must-have for serious vinyl collectors and DJs alike. Clean copy and plays strong every time.

Review

Soundway's latest essential collection successfully shines a light on synth-heavy South African music of the 1980s, chronicling local musicians and producers' attempts to create their own hybrid forms of boogie, synth-soul and bubblegum pop. Naturally, compilers Miles Cleret and DJ Okapi have done a brilliant job bringing together killer cuts that showcase the best of South Africa's '80s synth sounds, while at the same time ensuring a high ratio of rare and hard-to-treats. While some of the tracks genuinely sound like they could have been made in New York, London or L.A, there are plenty of others that include multiple instrumental nods to a diverse range of contemporaneous South African sounds. Crucially, the music is superb throughout.

Review originally published by Juno.