Astra, a seminal 1970 rock album by Freedom’s Children, reflects South Africa’s psychedelic music scene, capturing its essence through innovative recording techniques and cultural commentary despite initial challenges with censorship and distribution.
Tag Archives: Tertius Louw
Omega Limited
Omega Limited, formed in 1966 in Cape Town, gained fame with their psychedelic sound and hit “Tchaikovsky 1,” reaching #3 in 1970. Their music blends classical melodies with pop, leaving a lasting legacy.
Explore the Enhanced South African Jazz Rock Discography: Listen Now
The South African Jazz Rock Discography 1959-1979 has been revamped, offering improved visuals, integrated Spotify, and YouTube playlists for enhanced music discovery. It honours Tertius Louw’s foundational work on this cultural resource.
Slowly From The South – a compendium of South African Progressive Music 1970-2008 [2CD 2009]
“Slowly From The South” is a 2009 double-CD compilation that showcases South African progressive music from 1970-2008, featuring influential tracks and artists that merge indigenous sounds with international prog rock influences, reflecting the country’s unique musical landscape.
Astral Daze – Psychedelic South African Rock 1968-1972 [CD 2006]
Astral Daze – Psychedelic South African Rock 1968-1972 is a compilation of 18 rare tracks from South African psychedelic rock, showcasing underappreciated artists. Most songs, previously unreleased on CD, highlight the vibrant rock scene.
Yesterday’s Best Vol. 4 (Unreleased)
The South African Rock Encyclopedia > Classic Albums > Compilations > Various Artists > Yesterday’s Best > Yesterday’s Best Vol. 4 (Unreleased) Yesterday’s Best Vol. 4 (Unreleased) | Cover by Brian Currin, based on Yesterday’s Best Vol. 3 This is a track list that I received from Malcolm Lombard1 (the guru of South African pop music compilers) in 2004 for a proposed 4thContinueContinue reading “Yesterday’s Best Vol. 4 (Unreleased)”
Rock Legends: 1960s
The content outlines the history of South African rock and pop music, listing influential artists, singles, albums, and playlists that reflect the vibrant musical landscape from the 1960s to the present.
Classic Albums: Introduction
by Brian Currin (January 1999, updated October 2025) In the late 1960s and early 1970s, various experimental and innovative styles of rock music were developing worldwide. “Psychedelic”, “progressive”, “heavy metal”, and “hard rock” were just some of the terms used to describe this incredibly inventive music. The term I like the most, which encompassed allContinueContinue reading “Classic Albums: Introduction”
June Dyer – South Africa’s first female rock vocalist
June Dyer was born in Durban on 19 June 1942. She was not deterred by the fact that she was almost totally deaf from the age of 10, and mastered lip reading and getting the music beat by holding the piano or bass. June won several talent competitions and eventually caught the eye of talentContinueContinue reading “June Dyer – South Africa’s first female rock vocalist”
SOUTH AFRICAN CHARTS: 1972 – THE FACTS ANDÂ FIGURES
In 1972, music charts saw 117 hits, primarily from local acts, with Alan Garrity’s “I Need Someone” topping the year. Female artists had limited representation.