revived: The sound of revolution
Rediscovering long-forgotten tracks in need of new ears
Image credit: Discogs.com
Over the last 30 years, George and Joseph Mothiba have released 16 albums that have shaped and shifted South African house music and afro house globally.
Throughout, their production has retained a controlled energy that can still stir life into any dancefloor. This edition of revived explores the sounds and legacy of Revolution, with a short six-song mix showcasing some of their work.
The Mothiba brothers emerged in the early 1990s as backing dancers for the legendary DJ Christos. It was an ideal apprenticeship, as Revolution’s sound seems designed for movement.
Their early albums are rhythmically experimental. Tracks like Get High (2000) and Little something something (2000) share the simple, slow up-and-down beat pattern associated with kwaito. The early 2000s was a prolific period, they released six albums in five years, including the ‘The Journey’ (2002), which catapulted them to fame. As their style evolved, the albums became unique imprints of their diverse sound. Compare The Journey (2001), for example, with Diphala (2002) and Zim Connection (2003).
Perhaps the most noticeable change during this decade was the gradual acceleration of their production — from 100 bpm in the early kwaito days, to 117 bpm for the deep afro house era until they finally reached 125 bpm. All but three tracks on their 2010 album ‘Tribal Journey’ are produced at this speed.
That is not a triviality. At this speed, key elements of their production have a timeless dance appeal. There’s a kind of magic to the mix of heavily sustained chords, slightly lagging drums and melodic (rather than rhythmic) bass lines. Tracks like Arihumeli Murahu and Jola have an irresistibly intuitive beat.
During their most prolific period (the early 2000s), the duo were never afraid to step back from the dance floor or cater for different audiences. They frequently collaborated with prominent South African jazz artists like Jimmy Dludlu, Pops Mohammed and McCoy Mrubata; as well as vocalists like Maduvha, who features on their song Light of My Life, and Theo Nhlengethwa, who contributed to their album ‘4U’. It’s often these collaborations where their sound is more traditionally African (Modimo Re Boka Wena, 2006) or melancholy (Light of My Life, With U).
It’s been several years since the last release from Revolution. Their 2017 album, ‘Moshito’, has elements of an emergent afro-tech sound (U Thando, Let Me Go) that has helped African house music reach new audiences globally.
The extraordinary creative output of the Mothiba brothers over the last 30 years has kept pace with every iteration of South African house music imaginable, all while retaining an essential character. It’s a testament to their longevity and ingenuity. Hopefully there will be more to come in the future. For now, however, there’s more than enough to keep enjoying.
Words: Judah
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