Strut Records partners with anti-apartheid artist Julian Bahula to reissue catalogue

The first two reissues are Malombo Jazz Makers’ Malompo Jazz and Malombo Jazz Makers, Vol 2.

Strut Records has partnered up with Julian Bahula to reissue catalogue releases by the South African musician and anti-apartheid activist.

On May 26, Strut will release Malombo Jazz Makers’ Malompo Jazz and Malombo Jazz Makers, Vol 2 for the first time on vinyl since their original releases in 1966 and 1967.

Both albums were recorded with Bahula on drums and predate his work with Tsafrika Promotions, bringing African artists such as Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba to The 100 Club and The Forum in London.

Malombo Jazz Makers’ music became symbolic of the resistance against apartheid in its advocacy for black South African liberation. They worked close with activists Steve Biko and Saths Cooper and raised awareness of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment through their music.

“We grew up listening to American jazz, but we wanted to mix it with what our forefathers were doing,” explains Bahula. “Our ancestors used them to heal people who weren’t well, as did all the African doctors who would dance around the person as they were healing them. We thought this would be a lovely name for our band, because we saw what we were doing as music that heals”.

Both releases are available for pre-order from Strut Records now.

A1. Abbey’s Mood

A2. Lullaby for Angels

A3. Grab This for Me

A4. Emakhaya

A5. Blues After Lunch 2.36

A6. Bababelo

B1. Intandane

B2. A Tribute to Birds

B3. Root of Africa

B4. Vuma Mbari

B5. Lousy Fever

B6. Jikeleza

A1. Ngivulele

A2. Udondolo

A3. Soul of Africa

A4. Jolly Journey

A5. Umkhosi

A6. Majazana

B1. Abbey’s Body

B2. Vukani

B3. Hleziphi

B4. Sibathathu

B5. Malombi Walk

B6. Emoubane