Joshua Sithole (1947–1999) was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from South Africa who first started busking with the Kwela Kids in 1959 and then went solo in 1978. He became popular in the 80’s, performing widely in Durban and Cape Town.

Originally released in 1975, this overlooked masterpiece is now reissued for the first time by Voom Voom Records – complete with a poster of Vladimir Tretchikoff’s painting The Penny Whistlers, which captures the spirit and beauty of Joshua’s music.

According to tretchikoff.co.za: “It’s unknown exactly when Tretchikoff originally finished the painting, but it made its debut on the public stage in an exhibition at Garlicks department store in Cape Town on 20 August 1959. This particular painting marked a pivotal juncture in Tretchikoff’s career, signalling a shift from his earlier portrayals of black South Africans as generalized and exotic figures to a more socially conscious and specific representation. The painting offers a unique glimpse into the lives of young black South Africans, playfully named ‘Penny Whistlers’, who exude an unwavering spirit of joy and resilience in the face of racial discrimination during the years of Apartheid.”

The painting was most likely influenced by the Kwela Kids, a group made up of Isaac Ngoma along with Joshua and Robert Sithole from District Six and Gugulethu. Every Saturday, they would play at Cape Town’s Grand Parade, where their music drew such large audiences that police were often needed to manage the crowds and keep traffic flowing.

Vladimir Tretchikoff became world-famous for his painting Chinese Girl, better known as The Green Lady, which went on to become one of the best-selling art prints of the twentieth century. Born in what is now Kazakhstan in 1913, Tretchikoff later settled in Cape Town, where he lived until his death in 2006. Marc Linge 

TRACKLIST:

A1. Africa

A2. Workshop Nº 9

A3. Amakwenkwe (To Become A Man)

A4. Chisa (Burning)

A5. Soul Ship

B1. Joshua's Way

B2. Sigodukeni (Let's Go Home)

B3. Ekuseni (In The Morning)

B4. Nobody Knows