Hailing from Alexandra and nicknamed "Ratau" (meaning "lion"), saxophonist Mike Makhalemele (1938-2000) was a force of nature with a robust yet soulful tone and seemingly endless breath. He embraced the pop music scene as an enthusiastic collaborator and staked his territory at the intersection of township grooves with modern currents in soul, funk and disco. As a solo artist, he delivered a formidable run of albums in the 1970s that that made him the most prolific recording artist in South African jazz during this era.
First issued in 1975 by the maverick independent label Jo’Burg Records, his debut The Peacemaker was a tour de force that introduced Makhalemele’s heavyweight sax prowess (deftly accompanied by Jabu Nkosi on keys and Sipho Gumede on bass) while showcasing his innovative approach as a composer and arranger. To mark the arrival of a new saxophone colossus, the album’s profile portrait cover boldly evoked the iconic Yakhal’ Inkomo by the Mankunku Quartet from 1969. Mike Makhalemele and Winston Mankunku Ngozi would go on to share the spotlight on a collaborative release entitled The Bull and the Lion in 1976.
Side A:
1. GOING WEST 5:02 (M. Makhalemele, J. Nkosi)
2. END OF THE ROAD 7:02 (M. Makhalemele, J. Nkosi)
Side B:
1. 15TH AVENUE 6:15 (M. Makhalemele, S. Gumede)
2. MY THING 7:53 (V. Gaza)
3. PEACE TRAIN 2:55 (M. Makhalemele)
First issued in 1975 by the maverick independent label Jo’Burg Records, his debut The Peacemaker was a tour de force that introduced Makhalemele’s heavyweight sax prowess (deftly accompanied by Jabu Nkosi on keys and Sipho Gumede on bass) while showcasing his innovative approach as a composer and arranger. To mark the arrival of a new saxophone colossus, the album’s profile portrait cover boldly evoked the iconic Yakhal’ Inkomo by the Mankunku Quartet from 1969. Mike Makhalemele and Winston Mankunku Ngozi would go on to share the spotlight on a collaborative release entitled The Bull and the Lion in 1976.
Side A:
1. GOING WEST 5:02 (M. Makhalemele, J. Nkosi)
2. END OF THE ROAD 7:02 (M. Makhalemele, J. Nkosi)
Side B:
1. 15TH AVENUE 6:15 (M. Makhalemele, S. Gumede)
2. MY THING 7:53 (V. Gaza)
3. PEACE TRAIN 2:55 (M. Makhalemele)
released November 3, 2023
Arranged by Mike Makhalemele
Recorded at Satbel Music Recording Studios by Allen Glen
Remastered at Lacquer Channel Mastering by Noah Mintz
Photography by Georgina Carvels
Restoration Artwork by Steve Lewin
Originally issued in South Africa by Jo’burg Records in 1975 with "Peace Train" from Super Jazz Vol. 1.
© 2023 As-Shams Archive under exclusive license to We Are Busy Bodies.
Arranged by Mike Makhalemele
Recorded at Satbel Music Recording Studios by Allen Glen
Remastered at Lacquer Channel Mastering by Noah Mintz
Photography by Georgina Carvels
Restoration Artwork by Steve Lewin
Originally issued in South Africa by Jo’burg Records in 1975 with "Peace Train" from Super Jazz Vol. 1.
© 2023 As-Shams Archive under exclusive license to We Are Busy Bodies.