Still Mango Grooving on

JOBURG – Special stars of the South African music scene, Mango Groove, have captured listeners’ ears, hearts and minds for more than two decades, and are still going strong.

Lead singer Claire Johnston spoke to this reporter ahead of the band’s upcoming performances at British reggae band UB40’s April concerts.

Johnston said the band had been “super-busy” over the past few years.

“We’ve [had] lots of big, open-air shows, including some real career highlights [like] Oppikoppi, Park Acoustics, and some great sold-out botanical gardens shows,” she said.

“We’ve been humbled by the support out there, and by the fact that so many of the audiences are in their teens and twenties, and seem to know all the songs.”

Mango Groove burst on to the scene in 1984, and the band’s pop-marabi-kwela fusion fast became part of the soundtrack that chronicled South Africa in the 80s and 90s.

“We associate songs with different times in our lives; they stay with us, and we want to hear them again and again. We’re honoured that the Mango songs have remained so fresh and relevant to audiences,” said Johnston.

“The 80s and 90s were momentous transitional times in SA’s history, so the soundtrack for those decades was an evocative one in relation to many great SA artists. I think conviction and sincerity has something to do with it. One has to do what one believes, and this is part of how music reaches people.”

Johnston said the band was excited about their upcoming shows with UB40.

“It will be an honour to share a stage with them. Ali Campbell is undoubtedly one of the great, distinctive voices of pop,” she said.

“There are strong points of musical contact, in that UB40 always stood for diversity and inclusivity, and there was always social content in their music… This had a big effect on me.”

Looking to the future, Johnston said the band has “quite a bit” of touring lined up for the rest of the year, including a visit to Australia, and new material and a stage musical on the horizon.

Johnston also has a new album coming out this year.

“We receive so much love and support, and this really humbles and delights us, so we will continue to run with this energy. Watch this space.”

Catch Mango Groove and UB40 on stage on 5 April at Emmarentia Dam, Olifants Road, Emmarentia, from 11am.

Details: www.mangogroove.co.za; www.webtickets.co.za