Mango Groove: That Madiba energy is STILL there let's recharge!Mango Groove became something of a soundtrack to people's lives' in the 80s. We chat to Claire Johnston ahead of their Kirstenbosch concert.
by Cornelia Le Roux
12-01-2023 21:03
in Entertainment
Mango Groove will be performing on Sunday at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, in Cape Town. Image: Supplied
The slopes of Table Mountain will be alive with Mango Groove's unique big band Marabi-Pop sound as the group is set to perform at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts on Sunday 15 January.
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Mango Groove: Power to the music Mango Groove have been fusing pop and township rhythms for more than 35 years, carrying our nation through some of South Africa's most turbulent times with smash hits such as like Special Star, Dance Some More, Hellfire and Move Up.
The band also created the music which accompanied the broadcast of late president Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1994.
ALSO READ: Mandela and the Queen of Hearts: From prison to the Palace
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Claire Johnston and Mango Groove in a publicity photo of days gone by. Image: Supplied
Forming at the cusp of a game-changing era for South Africa, the group made headlines around the world for becoming one of the first acts to integrate black and white musicians together, celebrating what it means to be South African instead of letting politics divide them.
Since their foundation in 1984, Mango Groove have released six studio albums and numerous singles.
The band received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 South African Music Awards (Samas) and has 30 platinum sales in South Africa alone.
Other notable achievements include playing at the SOS Racism concert in Paris and performing via satellite recording in the global Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert.
Their most recent album, 2016's Faces to the Sun, was more than four years in the making.
ALSO READ: Middelvinger releases new party anthem' with Claire Johnston from Mango Groove
Q&A with Mango Groove darling Claire Johnston The group's lead singer Claire Johnston now 55 was only 17 when she joined the popular fusion band as their frontwoman in 1984. The blonde music powerhouse quickly became the unique voice and face of Mango Groove's eclectic image and performances.
Despite her sublime music talent, the singer songwriter who has performed performed in London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Sydney with Mango Groove, also boasts a degree in English, Philosophy, and Politics, according to Ghanadmission.
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The South African chatted to Johnston about the lasting impact Mango Groove has had on South Africa, their most emotional on-stage moment and THAT Madiba energy
Mango Groove has been around for many years now and remains a top-class live act, what is the secret to constant success and remaining relevant in such a fast-paced industry? Thank you! I can only think that it has something to do with the fact that we love performing live as much as we do. All 11 of us really enjoy being together on stage and fling ourselves into each performance, so hopefully that mad energy is infectious.
We have always been astonished by the support we get from audiences across the generations and it tells you a story about the power of music.
What is your fondest memory of being on stage? Where to begin?! There are incredible memories from the early days in smoky clubs followed by bigger and slightly more intimidating gigs in stadiums and in foreign countries.
But, possibly the stand-out on an emotional level is still the inauguration of Nelson Mandela back in 1994. A time of huge hope and a sense of what it is to be South African, along with being welcomed back into the world. It was a time when anything was possible. We need some of that energy back now. It's there.
Why do you think the music of Mango Groove has become so iconic among South Africans? Mango Groove was born out of the dark days of the mid-1980s when music meant so much with its power to change hearts and minds.
Our first album was released during the transition to democracy and was played on pretty much every radio and TV station. So, we were lucky enough to reach pretty much all South Africans at a time of enormous hope. This has made us something of a soundtrack to people's lives, which makes us very happy.
ALSO READ: Heritage Day: Proudly South African songs to add to your playlist
You share the stage with many popular South African acts (young and old), whose music and musical style are you loving at the moment? We've been fortunate to work with so many sublime artists recently, and were reminded how much we love Mafikizolo, Matthew Mole, Goodluck, Wonderboom and John Ellis, as well being blown away by Verandah Panda and Simmy. There is so much remarkable talent in South Africa that we could go on and on
ALSO READ: #Sama27: Matthew Mole on winning Record of the Year [watch]
ALSO READ: New Music Friday: Groove to new releases by Mafikizolo and more [listen]
What is your message of advice for future musicians or those wanting to follow a career in music? Dream BIG but also make sure you have your feet on the ground, as it is not an easy career choice. Be prepared for huge highs potentially followed by crushing lows so make sure you look after your mental and physical health.
It's very important to be original: Find your own style and then really perfect it. Also, surround yourself with people who believe in you and care enough about you to be genuinely honest with you.
These days, of course, so much relies on being social media savvy, so get comfortable with finding your voice on the various platforms, but don't let the haters get into your head.
Mango Groove Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts Details:
Book: Tickets for all performances can be p
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Mango Groove: That Madiba energy is STILL there let's recharge!Mango Groove became something of a soundtrack to people's lives' in the 80s. We chat to Claire Johnston ahead of their Kirstenbosch concert. 
