The Toreadors - Thembi/Gwinyitshe

On first hearing the A-side 'Thembi' (written by Ray Nkwe) you'll wonder why you haven't heard this song before, but simultaneously be struck with a sense of instant familiarity. It has a loose floating jazz vibe with echoes of 60's hippy, psychedelic soul-jazz qualities, and elements that remind us of acts such as The Deirdre Wilson Tabac. The vocal deliveries

are stunning, hauntingly beautiful, and from a place where it is hard to pinpoint just where this song originates. The B-side, 'Gwinyitshe', is also absolute fire. This song has gained more coverage and notoriety among South African music fans/collectors and DJ's over the years. It is a deep, pulsing soul-jazz-funk groove with another exceptional vocal performance that is relaxed yet engaging and spiritual, whilst managing to surf the instrumentation to perfection.

1) Thembi (2.40)
2) Gwinyitshe (2.35)