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Georgia with The Mahotella Queens - Nkule, Hilda, and Amanda

Jun 12, 2019 By Christopher Roberts Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Multicultural collective Africa Express, which was spearheaded by Damon Albarn, are releasing a new album, EGOLI, on July 12 via Africa Express Records. Now they have shared another song from it, “City in Lights.” The song features British singer Georgia, Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Mahotella Queens, and Otim Alpha. Listen below.

Georgia had this to say about the song in a press release: “‘City in Lights’ is about Hilda Tloubatla - or Mama as we called her - and the journey she made from her township to the studio to join The Mahotella Queens in 1960s Johannesburg. She shared her incredible story with me and I was so inspired by her ambition, her love for music and her incredible bravery to leave her family at such a young age to follow her dreams. Whilst recording the music in my room-turned-studio, I had this amazing view of the city of Johannesburg and at night it was all lit up and glowing… And I thought of all the women who come to the city to follow their dreams and make a better life for themselves… It was truly life changing to meet Mama and I thank Africa Express for this.”

Otim Alpha added: “I was very happy to meet a great producer like Georgia and hear the beautiful voices of The Mahotella Queens as well as all the great music styles. I loved working with Georgia; making music with different musicians is amazing.”

Previously they shared the album’s first single, “Johannesburg,” which features vocals by Gruff Rhys (Welsh frontman of Super Furry Animals), alongside other featured artists Morena Leraba, Radio 123, and Sibot. It was one of our Songs of the Week. Then they shared another song from the album, “Become the Tiger,” which features Sibot, Damon Albarn, and Mr Jukes.

A press release lays out the album’s many participants as such: “Featured artists include Damon Albarn, Blue May, Gruff Rhys, Georgia, Ghetts, Mr Jukes, Nick Zinner, Remi Kabaka, Otim Alpha and Poté as well as emerging and established stars of the buzzing South African music scene including BCUC, Blk Jks, Dominowe, Faka, Infamous Boiz, DJ Spoko, Mahotella Queens, Moonchild Sanelly, Muzi, Morena Leraba, Nonku Phiri, Radio 123, Sibot, Sho Madjozi, Zola 7, Zolani Mahola (Freshly Ground) and Maskandi guitar legend Phuzekhemisi.”

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