Many thanks to The In Crowd and his/her learning2share blog for making these very early Willard Cele tracks available. Willard was the inspiration for many kwela players, maybe including Spokes Mashiyane. Listen to these recordings (Penny Whistle Blues and Penny Whistle Boogie) and you’ll hear quite a different style of kwela to that recorded by the likes of Spokes or Lerole; it almost sounds like US American clarinet jazz.
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I was looking for some information about kwela…and I found your site, and it was very usefull for me. I am an italian actress and I was working on a roman by Yvonne Vera, one of the most famous writer from Zimbawe. in The first chapter of this roman, called “Butterfly burning” there is a description of kwela music and the atmosphere in Makokoba around 50s…I invite you to read this incredible roman which tou can find very simply.! Thank you very much…valentina
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[...] Kwela, which evolved from repetitive South African Jazz known as Marabi, developed as a part of township and shebeen culture in the 1950s. It later evolved into the sound of Mbaqanga. The joyful, syrupy music was based around pennywhistle leads and featured guitar, bass and drums as well. Important artists include Spokes Mashiyane, Lemmy Mabaso and Willard Celes. [...]