When I visited Johannesburg at the beginning of this blessed millenium, I could only guess at the musical and other cultural delights to be discovered beyond the white tourist bubble I found myself in at the time (travelling with extended family will do that to you). Luckily, I am now given a second chance in mixtape-form. I can think of no better guide to the lesser known sights and sounds of Jo'burg than one of my favourite young bands of the previous years: BLK JKS.
Their 'the sound of Johannesburg' mixtape, a collaboration with Domus Magazine and Athi-Patra Ruga, is a real treat for anyone who likes to step off the beaten hype machine track.
That being said: where is that new BLK JKS album?
[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/18369651"]
Tracklist 1. LETTA MBULU — NOMALIZO / Athi-Patra Ruga #1 2. SPIKIRI — MONEY TALKS 3. Athi-Patra Ruga #2 4. DIRTY PARAFFIN — EXHIBIT A 5. SKELETON CREW — INVISIBLE CITIES (the burning piano David KRUT eBOOK podcast interview) 6. GIVAN LOTZ — EASY NOW 7. FELIX LaBAND — JESUS AT THE TABLE 8. CHLLNGR ft BLK JKS, MO LAUDI of the very best and SPOEK MATHAMBO — ASK FOR (remix) 9. US KIDS KNOW — PROBLEMS 10. HUGH MASEKELA — NIGHTS IN TUNISIA /Athi-Patra Ruga #3 11. PROFESSOR — IJIMAPI LEWEIGHT 12. Athi-Patra Ruga #4 13. TSHE TSHA BOYS — UYAKWINI NA ROSE (where are you going?) 14. POLYPHONIC&SERENGETI — LATELY (remixed by JOAO ORECCHIA) 15. Athi-Patra Ruga #5 16. BLK JKS and THANDISWA MAZWAI for the ZAR ORKESTRE — UKUTHULA (cover)
(via The Fader)
