Xoliso -

Xoliso was a South African Afrobeat ensemble that issued the 1974 album Shingwanyana on the Soweto label. They featured drummer Johnny Motuba, who later joined the jazz-funk/soul combo Kabasa. In 1982, he resurrected the Xoliso name with different personnel for one further album.

Members: Johnny Motuba (drums), Abel Nkambule, Percy Monare, Gilbert Mathopa, Abraham Boikanyo, Alpheus Kolodi, Doc Mthalane (guitar, 1982), Elwyn Mabaso (bass, 1982), Don Laka (keyboards, 1982), Bobby Nkambule (organ, 1982), Fish Phale (percussion, 1982)

Background

Xoliso formed in Mamelodi, a township northeast of Pretoria, and adopted a name that meant “Peace Makers.” The group comprised singer–percussionist Abraham “Tjatja” Boikanyo, bassist Gilbert Mathopa, drummer Johnny Motuba, guitarist Percy Monare, flautist Alpheus Koloti, and keyboardist Abel “Bobby” Nkambule.

Boikanyo learned African drums and congas from Julian Bahula, drummer in the Malombo Jazz Men. Xoliso combined indigenous African music with Western instruments and drew on Osibisa, a Ghanaian-led Afro-rock band based in London. The musicians performed “Have Mercy Lord” at concerts.

Producer Cambridge “Baba” Matiwane supervised the first album sessions and required changes to the songs because he feared censorship and official action against the studio. Xoliso prepared the 1974 debut Shingwanyana with Matiwane.

Discography:

Shingwanyana (1974)
Xoliso (1982)

Sources

Xoliso: Shangaan Afro Jazz (1974). Sleeve scans and Boikanyo’s August 28, 2014 account of Bahula’s lessons, Osibisa, live repertoire, and Matiwane’s censorship concerns. An earlier anonymous comment mentions the Incredible Four but supplies a late-1970s formation date that conflicts with the 1974 LP; those claims remain uncorroborated. (ElectricJive)
Shingwanyana — official reissue. Mamelodi origin, personnel, full names and nicknames, producer, and 1974 debut date. (Bandcamp)
Julian Sebothane Bahula — National Orders biography. Founding membership and drums in the Malombo Jazz Men. (The Presidency, South Africa)
Osibisa — band biography. London formation and West African–Caribbean membership. (Mamboe Productions)