“There was always music in the background”… by Dr. Ndlovu

I grew up in Katlehong township during the dark days of apartheid. There was always music in the background. Whether at home from a small transistor radio, or from a” gumba gumba” cabinet, even more endearing from a Telefunken/Technics/Blaupunkt speaker outside a neighbour’s door. We even had a space gram at home that you could take anywhere. All this captured my imagination, and the variety of music was broad, diverse and intense.

You name it, Jazz in all its colours, disco funk and soul, reggae, rhythm and blues, Kwela, African accapella, British pop ala Queen, American rock n’ roll e.g. Elvis Presley… we heard it all. In my own home the erstwhile collector was my very own mother. I really don’t know what influenced her taste but she had a formidable ear for music. Not surprising she bought records every Friday and we indeed had a sizeable collection, of which, some records I still have today. What a site to behold, seeing your own mom putting a needle to the record. Who can forget the record “December 1963 Ooh what a night”?

So, the versatility in collecting all sorts of music was engrained at an early age.

Radio also played its part in shaping my taste. I am indebted to Radio Bop, with its sick line up of jocks. The music played there was too good. I used to send requests and one day my selection was played. From Kleer to 7th Wonder, Fat Larry’s band and Gwen Mcgrae… you know many households were dancing around a radio at that moment. Still on radio, was with Oskido at Y-FM, pushing backtrakkin…

So, my taste is broad, from the 60s through disco/funk/jazz and recently house. Talking about now, I love deep soulful house but refuse to be boxed because there is a lot of music out there that can tickle those nerves. There are classics from the 70/80s that young people must hear.

Ya that’s me. I play anything and everything that appeals to my heart.

Thanks,
uNdlovu