DUDULA was recorded in Cape Town during ’96. It’s a laid-back album again featuring a wide variety of styles: the bustling, impatient energy of “Khawuleza” {Hurry Up!} contrasted with the cool, spacey – “Amanzi Obomi” {Water of Life} or the simple lyricism of “Shirley“ against the mbaqanga of “Masihambe” {Let’s Go}. Or the wistful introversion of “Green and Gold” vis –a-vis the upfront, clubby title track “Dudula” {Forward!}.
The album contains a great deal of improvisational freedom and the soloists take full advantage, one highlight being the extended coda on the title track where guitar, piano and sax share centre stage, exchanging phrases freely. Spencer Mbadu’s solo on “Khawuleza” is like a composition all on its own, a singing, quintessentially township riff which develops. Winston Mankunku’s delicate entry in the ballad “Shirley” builds slowly to a powerful crescendo- another highlight.
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