The Skylarks were an all-woman South African band of the 1950s, founded by Miriam Makeba. The original lineup comprised Makeba and Johanna Radebe, Mary Rabotapi, and Mummy Girl Nketle. Later, Helen Van Rensburg and Abigail Kubheka replaced Radebe.[1] At one time they were the most popular Black singing band in the country. They also recorded and played as The Sunbeams.[1][2] Along their influences was the vocal ensemble Quad Sisters, formed by Thandi Klaasen.[3] They played a blend of South African music and jazz.[4] Their music incorporated close harmony singing.[3] Their albums included African Jazz n'Jive, released by Gallo Records, which featured guitarist General Duze.[3] In addition to Makeba, Skylarks members Abigail Kubheka and Letta Mbulu went on to perform in the 1959 jazz musical King Kong, and had successful solo careers thereafter.[3]
References
edit- 1 2 "Band Profile: The Skylarks". africanmusiclibrary.org. 1 January 1950. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
- ↑ Meintjes, Louise (15 January 2003). Sound of Africa!: Making Music Zulu in a South African Studio. Duke University Press. p. 54. ISBN 9780822384632. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 Ansell, Gwen (28 September 2005). Soweto Blues: Jazz, Popular Music, and Politics in South Africa. A&C Black. pp. 91, 306, 314. ISBN 978-0-8264-1753-4.
- ↑ Lentz, Harris M. (17 April 2009). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2008: Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Dance, Music, Cartoons and Pop Culture. McFarland. p. 275. ISBN 9780786453849. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
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