Sound City Joburg 1969-1981

During the 60s and 70s, American soul and funk crossed the Atlantic Ocean, landed on South Africa’s fertile shores, and found a new life in the hands of local musicians who began experimenting, fusing these alien sounds with their own traditional rhythms and jazz, forging a uniquely South African style they dubbed "Township Soul" - an umbrella term for a myriad of musical styles, some of which had no names yet. Competition in Johannesburg was fierce, and for many artists with little more than their instruments and dreams of fame, breaking into the city’s music scene was a gamble. Facing police harassment, apartheid pass and curfew laws, they risked everything; yet, driven by ambition, they kept going, unable to resist the pull of music. Centered around record labels, recording studios, and performance venues and inspired by visionary music producers, Johannesburg - also known as eGoli, the City of Gold - became a melting pot of musical ideas as musicians competed, collaborated, and pushed each other forward to create an extraordinary music scene, captured in Soundcity Joburg and highlighted with 22 of the finest "Township Soul" songs that emerged between 1969 and 1981.