Gallo Centenary Celebration - SA Jazz Legends Take Centre Stage on Spotify's Mzansi Jazz Archive
As we continue our landmark centenary year, Gallo Record Company is proud to keep the Gallo 100 momentum high with an August offering that beautifully captures the “Original Soundtrack of Africa”. From 35-year-old technical masterclasses to the enduring spiritual and social resilience of our iconic female voices, this month showcases the incredible depth and breadth of our catalogue legacy. Gallo extends its gratitude to Spotify for featuring our legendary catalogue on the Mzansi Jazz Archive, a curated tapestry playlist celebrating South African Jazz through the decades. To mark this incredible playlist inclusion, we are spotlighting two monumental album anniversaries driving the sound of our heritage this month:
The story of Spokes Mashiyane is the quintessential story of South African musical resilience. Born in Vlakfontein, his journey began as a young herdboy playing a primitive reed flute. After moving to Johannesburg and acquiring a simple 4s. 6d. penny whistle, he revolutionised global music. By placing the mouthpiece vertically against his cheek and inventing an entirely new fingering technique, Spokes produced a roundness of tone previously thought impossible on the instrument. His genius changed the industry forever, leading to his historical milestone in 1958 as the first Black South African musician to receive a royalty deal.
An absolute pioneer of the Golden Age of South African Jazz. Born in Bulawayo, Dorothy Masuka defied the societal expectations of the 1950s that sought to restrict African women to domestic roles. She emerged not only as a world-class vocalist, but as a premier composer and arranger. Mzilikazi stands as a 25-year-old testament to a visionary woman who blazed an indelible trail alongside Miriam Makeba and other giants of African music.
