Craig and Betty Sibongile Dlamini from Indiana University explore the role of language, music, and dance in southern African mines and the positivity that emerged from hardships endured by miners. The history and origins of South African gumboot dancing are explained in this week’s episode.

Audio examples in this week’s show are from a recording by Stephen Bess of LeSole’s Dance Project and UMOJA: The Spirit of Togetherness.

Explore:

Gumboot Guitar – Zulu Street Guitar Music From South Africa
Gumboots: An Explosion of Spirit & Song

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Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Not every song can be a chart-topper. There is a Chicago-based record label that strives to archive and release music that was largely ignored in its own time. The Numero Group has generated a catalog of neglected music across many genres. Ken Shipley explains the origins, mission, and vision of The Numero Group.

Music featured (courtesy of The Numero Group):

• Bill Moss – Sock it to ’em Soul Brother (Instrumental) from Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label
• Jackie Stoudemire – Invisible Wind (Instrumental) from Don’t Stop: Recording Tap
• Syl Johnson – Is it because I’m Black? (Instrumental) from Light: On the South Side
• The Tap Orchestra – Don’t Stop Dancin’ from Don’t Stop: Recording Tap
• Antena – Sissexa from Camino Del Sol
• The Majestic Arrows – I’ll Never Cry for Another Boy from Eccentric Soul: The Bandit Label

Our Numero Recommendations:

• Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label
• Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up
• Good God: A Gospel Funk Hymnal
• Eccentric Soul: Twinight’s Lunar Rotation
• Home Schooled: The ABC’s of Kid Soul
• Don’t Stop: Recording Tap
• Wayfaring Strangers: Guitar Soli
• Local Customs: Downriver Revival
• Titan: It’s All Pop!

Further Reading:
Retromania by Simon Reynolds

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Craig and George challenge themselves to make a dark subject lighter. They each tackle a separate story involving “death” and technology. They explore The Museum of Endangered Sounds and an app inspired by a power-deficient toy.

Music:
Norbert Herber “Two,” “One” and “Eight” from I am Ai, We are Ai. Bandai installation

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Click here to see this episode’s transcript.