Description

1LP Vinyl – COS 031

When thinking about the locations that were the epicenters of dance music in the 1980s, cities like New York, Detroit, and Chicago are most likely the first that come to mind. With its latest compilation, Saturday Night: South African Disco Pop Hits 1981-1987, Boston-based label Cultures Of Soul highlights the South African contribution to dance music culture.

The album opens with Varikweru’s groovy jazz-dance anthem “Saturday Night Special.” With its party-ready vocals and slinky synths, the cut would live perfectly alongside feel-good hits from American acts like The Blackbyrds or The Brothers Johnson. Tunes like Supa Frika’s “Love Satisfaction” and “Let’s Get It On” are quintessential electro-boogie jams, while Margino’s “You And Me” could’ve easily been played on the dancefloor of NYC’s legendary Danceteria club. With 10 tracks covering a wide range of ‘80s sounds, Saturday Night makes a strong case for South Africa as an unheralded hotspot during one of dance music’s most influential moments.