Black Disco

Black Disco was a transformative South African Afro-jazz and funk band that made their mark in the music world during a tumultuous time in history. Active primarily from 1975 to 1976, they released three groundbreaking albums on The Sun (الشمس) label. The band was a collective of talented musicians known for their vibrant mix of sounds that fused jazz, funk, and soul, thereby creating a unique sonic experience.

Band Lineup and Contributions

The core lineup of Black Disco included:

• Pops Mohamed on organ and guitar
• Sipho Gumede on bass
• Basil Coetzee on flute and tenor saxophone
• Peter Morake on drums
• Monty Weber on drums and bongos
• Richard Peters on bass

Their individual and combined contributions crafted a distinctive sound that would become a hallmark of their music.

Discography and Musical Impact

Black Disco released the following albums:

• Black Disco (1975)
• Night Express (1976)
• Black Disco 3 (1976)

The album "Night Express" has particularly stood the test of time, gaining a cult following after its 2016 reissue on Matsuli Music. Released in a year marked by intensified political repression in South Africa, "Night Express" was celebrated in the townships for its fusion of Philly-soul and Cape jazz. The band's music was not just entertainment; it was a political statement that resonated with oppressed communities under apartheid.

Cultural and Political Context

Black Disco's music epitomized the melding of jazz and soul as tools of resistance. In the words of band leader Pops Mohamed, "It was our way of saying we are with you," expressing solidarity with South Africa's repressed communities. This movement of music offered a sense of identity and freedom during a time when black jazz musicians faced severe restrictions and were often forced underground.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Following their time with Black Disco, core members went on to pursue successful careers. Coetzee, Pops Mohamed, and Sipho Gumede formed the jazz sextet Movement in the City. Beyond Black Disco:

• Sipho Gumede also contributed to the jazz-funk septet Spirits Rejoice and later joined Sakhile.
• Pops Mohamed emerged as a prolific solo artist in the 1990s.
• Monty Weber collaborated on several albums with Dollar Brand during the late '70s.
• Basil Coetzee was simultaneously active in Pacific Express.

A reissue of their debut album is set for release on September 6, 2024. This anticipated limited edition includes tracks such as "Pops Blue," "I'm Organized," "Dark Cloud (Part 1 & 2)," "My Girl," and "Ain't No Sunshine," ensuring that Black Disco's legacy continues to inspire new generations of listeners.

Sources

• https://jazzrocksoul.com/artists/black-disco/
• https://bigwax.io/en/products/black-disco
• https://thevinylfactory.com/features/black-disco-jazz-resistance-apartheid-south-africa/