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From: "ursula smith" <>
Subject: Click Song
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2004 14:46:06 +1000


G'day Listers, can I add my penny worth to the discussion?

It just goes to show that history is found everywhere - even in the most unlikely places like on record covers! I have an (oldie but goodie) vinyl LP record in front of me as I type - it's called The Warrior (Ipi 'n Tombia) featuring Margaret Singana as lead vocalist.

For the historians among us, the record was produced by Billy Forest and Lofty Schultz and recorded at MvN Studios, Johannesburg by John Lindeman. it states that the overdubs were done by E.M.I Studios/Ian Martin, mastering was by Gallo (Africa) Studios/Peter Thwaites, vocal arrangements were by Bertha Egnos and further, that all songs were written by Bertha Egnos and Gail Lakier.

While this record does not have the famous Click Song on it, it has 10 wonderful tracks covering a range of subjects. Mama Tembu's Wedding track has a vaguely similar section to the Click Song on it, maybe it's about the same sort of folk story regarding the knock-knock beetle? Not speaking the Zulu language I can't be sure. On the inside cover the songs are listed as follows:

THE WARRIER - damatic musical description of the now famous "Battle of Bloodriver", between 10,000 Zulu Warriers and a small party of Boer Settlers led by Andries Pretorius - the Boers defeated the Zulus.

MISUNDERSTOOD - an innocent look at the 'generation gap' problem brought about by the fact that Tribal Custom and Tradition is reapidly falling away. The old folks call them 'hippies' - the youngsters say "Shame".

IMYENENI - a woman in the Tribal Homelands receives a letter from her husband telling her that his contract with the mines has ended and that he will be coming home. She is worried because she's found a few lovers.

MAMA TEMBU'S WEDDING - weddings are regarded with high esteem among the African People, it's a time for much feasting and merry-making. From miles around they arrive to join the celebration, which often lasts for many days.

THEY TOOK HER AWAY FROM THE LAND - story about a young girl who is lured by the fast life of the big City. She leaves her Mother and Father, the solitude and serenity of Tribal life - only to find that the city's corrupt.

IPI 'N TOMBIA (young girl) - story about a Young Maiden.

SOWETO BY NIGHT - nightlife in Soweto (South Western Townships). Typical of the music played by 'live' bands in Clubs on a Saturday night where the most popular dance is the 'Phata Phata' (Touch Dance).

MOTHER MARY - conflict of Tribal Custom and the Witch Doctor versus modern-day Christianity. In this story the Witch Doctor eventually loses and Mother Mary reigns supreme.

ZIMBABA - a song

THE DIGGER - a labourer complains that after working all his life he still has nothing to pass down to his son.

These songs are a good description of life in the 1970's and as such are of historical merit. The added bonus is that it is a beautiful and very authentic collection of truly African songs with wonderful vocals and the strong rythmic beat so easily distinquishable as 'typically' African.

My adult children who have lived longer in Australia than South Africa, always enjoy it whenever we play it. A real piece of 'Africana' that they want to hang on to.

Ursula Smith, Wolumla, Australia





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