As-Shams/The Sun Records: 1974

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 their 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 heritage and pride. This they accomplished with two outstanding albums comprising nine remarkable 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 in 2011 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 with As-Shams Archive.

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

DIGITAL ALBUM

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

John Mothopeng in Johannesburg in March 2022

(Photo: Calum MacNaughton)

A primer for the legendary Afro-jazz group Batsumi and a gateway to their two classic albums with edited versions of tracks from the original releases.

Adapting the playlist and artwork of a compilation issued in 1977, Batsumi 77 features remastered tracks from the band's self-titled debut of 1974 and its follow-up Moving Along from 1976. While the 1977 versions of the shortened tracks employed clumsy fade-outs, Batsumi 77 revisits the editing process in 2025 with the precision and creativity offered by modern audio tools.

Batsumi 77 arrives on the cusp of the band's 50th anniversary celebration in 2026 and opens a path to the As-Shams Archive remasters collection The Hunters 1974-1976.

1. Itumeleng (Batsumi 77 Version) 07:47

2. Lishonile (Batsumi 77 Version) 06:01

3. Mamshanyana 04:41

4. Moving Along (Batsumi 77 Version) 05:21

5. Evil Spirits (Batsumi 77 Version) 05:01

6. Toi-Toi 05:33

DIGITAL ALBUM

All Tracks Composed by Batsumi

Tracks 1, 2, 3 originally issued on the album Batsumi (1974)

Tracks 4, 5, 6 originally issued on the album Moving Along (1976)

1, 2, 4, 5 are edited versions of tracks from the original albums