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| As-Shams Archive Vol. 7: Batsumi - The Hunters 1974-1976 |
The Hunters 1974-1976 is a digital release that combines Bastumi's self-titled album of 1974 with its 1976 follow-up Moving Along - a complete studio recordings compilation that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the band's discography and celebrates its enduring vitality.
Batsumi was a South African band that carved a singular niche for themselves in the jazz scene of the 1970s. Taking inspiration from the Malombo Jazz Makers of the 1960s, they wove deep Afrocentric threads into the avant-garde tapestry of jazz, a pursuit guided by an ethos of craft and authenticity that sought to reconcile tradition with modernity. The Batsumi name, meaning "The Hunters" in Sesotho, further professed their mission to identify, track down and capture a new aesthetic for African spirit and pride. This they accomplished with just two albums and nine stunning tracks.
Originally issued by the Record and Tape Company and later acquired by As-Shams/The Sun, Batsumi was brought to the attention of 21st-century vinyl enthusiasts through the efforts of the Matsuli Music record label. In 2026, former bandleader John Mothopeng continues to help guide and direct the custodianship of Batsumi's recorded legacy.
1. Lishonile (2026 Remaster) 11:27
2. Emapondweni (2026 Remaster) 05:10
3. Mamshanyana (2026 Remaster) 04:41
4. Itumeleng (2026 Remaster) 15:59
5. Anishilabi (2026 Remaster) 03:25
6. Toi-Toi (2026 Remaster) 05:34
7. Moving Along (2026 Remaster) 09:51
8. Evil Spirits (2026 Remaster) 06:29
9. Sister (2026 Remaster) 08:11
All Tracks Composed by Batsumi
Tracks 1-5 from the album Batsumi (1974)
Recorded at Audio Arts
Recording Engineer: Chris van Schouen
Produced by C.B. Matiwane
Tracks 6-9 from the album Moving Along (1976)
Recorded at Satbel Studios
Produced by Batsumi
Personnel:
Lekgabe Abel Maleka – Percussion, Drums
Buta-Buta Zwane – Vocals, Bongos
Maswaswe John Mothopeng – Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Sello Lancelot Mothopeng – Organ
Themba Koyana – Tenor Sax
Zulu Bidi – Double-Bass
On Tracks 1-5:
Thabang Masemola – Drums, Flute, Jew's Harp
On Tracks 6-9:
Munich Sibiya – Bongos, Vocals on "Toi-Toi"
Peter Segona – Trumpet
Sipho Mabuse – Flute
Cover Photo (L-R): Thabang Masemola, Buta-Buta Zwane and John Mothopeng (Mamelodi Stadium, August 1974). Licensed courtesy African Pictures.
Remastered by Noah Mintz
Design and Layout by Ash Pederick
Compiled and Produced by Calum MacNaughton
(with direction from John Mothopeng)
Cat. No. ASA107
℗ 1974, 1976 © 2026 As-Shams Archive
John Mothopeng in Johannesburg in March 2022
(Photo: Calum MacNaughton)
