Jabula

Jabula (isiZulu: "rejoice") was a musical ensemble made of South African musicians "exiled" in England during the Apartheid Era.

Under Apartheid, traditional African music was largely banned from radio and even private play, and groups who performed it were often forced into exile. The four members that became Jabula met in London where they were living after leaving South Africa. The group was formed in 1974 and consisted of:

*Julian Bahula, lead vocals, formerly of Philip Tabane's Malombo Jazzmen
*Ernest Mothle, bass guitar
*Lucky Ranku, guitar and percussion
*Eddie Tatane, percussion

In addition to their own albums, the group also performed with Mike Oldfield for his albums "Amarok", "Incantations", and "Ommadawn".

On July 21, 1979, they appeared at the Amandla Festival along with Bob Marley, Dick Gregory, Patti LaBelle and Eddie Palmieri, amongst others.

Their second album "Thunder into our hearts" is dedicated to the trumpet player Mongezi Feza, with whom the group played in the run up to recording the album, but who tragically died.

Discography

*"Jabula" (1975)
*"Thunder into our hearts" (1976)