NOVIDADE - Voaria (1991)

Tusk, TUH19
Producers: Tata Sibeko & Thokoza Memela
Engineer: Humphrey Mabote
Recorded at: RPM Studios


Led by Mozambican guitarist Benjamin Nhassavele, Novidade were a trio also featuring Michael Mancu (keyboards) and Anderson Khomba (bass). Following 1988's Fun Time, the band had a hit with 'Voaria', which came out as a 12" single in 1990. The album of the same name came out the following year, and features five tracks blending Shangaan, Mozambican, Afro-Cuban and sophisticated electronic sounds, the latter thanks to producer Tata Sibeko, who handles programming and sequencing. Other personnel on the album are Isaac 'Mnca' Mtshali (Stimela, The Cannibals) on drums, saxman Mandla Masuku, Mozambican-born percussionist Johnnie Hassan and backing vocals by Tu and Marilyn Nokwe, Veronica Makgalemele and Mandisa Dlanga.

Nhassavele also recorded with Minebelt and was part of the stage musical Umoja. In 2014 he released a new solo album, Knock Knock.