Mahotella Queens

Many bands go through hard times, but South Africa's veteran Mahotella Queens underwent more than most last year. Not only did their guitarist, Marks Mankwane, die, but they also lost their male voice, Mahlathini. For a while it looked as if their 35-year career might end.

"It was a hard time, almost too much," admitted singer Hilda Tloubatla, who, along with Mildred Mangxola and Nobesuthu Mbadu, makes up the Queens. "When we lost Mahlathini it was like the end of the world." But after some thought, "I said to the other ladies we must go on, and at the end of the day everyone was fine with that."

They bounced back strongly, releasing Seba Bai, one of their most emotional albums, and winning World Music Artist of the Year at the prestigious WOMEX festival in Berlin. The record, dfedicated to the friends who passed, showcases their upbeat, trademark mbaqanga sound and Zulu harmony vocals with more reflective ballads, and even adds some doo-wop to the mix.

"When we lost Mahlathini it was like the end of the world." But after some thought, "I said to the other ladies we must go on."

"For the first two or three shows, there were tears onstage," Tloubatla recalled. "Whenever we were singing, we'd hear his voice." However, they battled on, and now they all feel that "the band is only beginning, we're all excited about it."

However, that doesn't mean all their problems have vanished. For a while it looked as though their May 2001 American tour might not happen, after they were refused visas to enter the U.S.. An appeal reversed that decision, and while some dates were lost, the shows did go on.

Still, acknowledged Tloubatla, "this tour is really difficult. We didn't rearrange everything; instead, we're doing a lot of different songs." And the end result has been that "we've got more energy now than we've had in years."

In part that might come from the young band backing them, but, Tloubatla laughed, "they're getting their energy from us. They keep saying, ‘You grannies are getting younger and stronger and more powerful!' It's a beautiful band."

Now they're back and firing on all cylinders again, the Mahotella Queens plan on keeping going full steam ahead. They'll return North America for another tour in August 2001, followed by a return to the studio this fall for a new album.

"We'll be going on for the next 50 years," said Tloubatla.

Mahotella Queens

"When we lost Mahlathini it was like the end of the world." But after some thought, "I said to the other ladies we must go on."

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