For
the first time EVER on one CD - all the classic songs and sounds of the
tumultuous 1970s in Rhodesia.
Classic tunes, anthems and radio signatures
that will bring back memories of those heady days...
Sample video clip
'Memories' below
Musical
Content:
Audio samples are low resolution for browsing speed.
The CD is mastered to standard broadcast specifications.
Cut
1
11th
November 1965
John Bishop introduces Prime Minister Ian Smith and the announcement that
changed an entire nation, the Unilateral Declaration of Rhodesia's
Independence at 1.15pm on the afternoon of 11th November 1965.
"Rhodesians
Never Die" Clem Tholet
"We will stand tall in the
sunshine with the truth upon our side" - the original recording of
the song that became an anthem amongst Rhodesians. Originally released in
1973, the song was later re-recorded at Shed Studios for Clem's debut
album 'Songs of Love and War'
4.44
Cut 2
"It's
a Long way to Mukumbura"
Mike Westcott and Leprechaun
Anyone who has
ever been to 'Mukkers' (with or without a surf board) will know just
how far this pleasant
spot is from anywhere. Antwhere that is except
the border with Mozambique! Mike Westcott and the boys
from Leprechaun are
"going up there to stir"
4.28
Cut 3
The
'Wireless'
Supersonic
Forces Requests
When military call-up separated loved
ones, the 'wireless' on a Saturday afternoon was that special place where
those far apart could 'meet' and send their special messages via the
'Forces Sweetheart', Sally Donaldson.
Oyster
Box
One of broadcasting's best loved
personalities, Geoffrey Atkins had times when even his smooth tongue did
not quite get around the script - in this case when The Oyster Box Hotel,
Umhlanga Rocks, requested "the pleasure of your company."
Radio
Quiz telephone call
Radio quiz shows in Africa at the time
were often a feast for the listener - when combined with live telephone
calls, as with this Cashel Valley programme, anything could happen.
2.33
Cut 4
Kenny Cantor at the
Monomatapa Hotel
A popular comedian and guest artist in
the Christmas Pantomime shows at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Kenny
Cantor lends his unmistakable chuckle to the reasons why he failed his army
medical.
1.22
Cut 5
"Sweet
Banana" Rhodesian African Rifles
An impromptu
'live rendering' of their regimental march recorded on their cricket field
at Shaw Barracks, the home of the 2nd Battalion Rhodesian African Rifles
near Balla Balla. One can feel the pride and commitment of
these fine soldiers to their regiment as they add their voices to the
Troop Show line up of 1978.
3.15
Cut
6
"What
A Time" Clem Tholet
This song,
written for an information film of the same name, is performed live at the
Monomatapa ballroom during the final performance of the 1978 series of
television Troop Shows produced for the Border Patrol Welfare Fund.
"What a time it was with so few friends to turn to"
6.13
Cut 7
Caribbea
Bay radio commercial
Lake Kariba will
always hold a special place for all that have visited its vast waters.
Caribbea Bay Hotel was one of the early get away developments built on the
lakeshore - a perfect family holiday destination. At the time, it was
often safer to fly in to Kariba than risk the playful temperament of the
jumbos on the road down from Makuti. However, one still had to fly out
again...
0.45
Cut 8
"The
Deafening Silence"
The Very Reverend J. R. da Costa, Dean
of the Cathedral Church of St. Mary and All Saints in Salisbury delivered
these powerful words on Friday 8 September 1978. This memorial service was
held following the shooting down of the Viscount Hunyani, VP WAS
near Kariba 5 days earlier. The silence is still 'deafening'...
4.05
Cut 9
"The
Global Village"
Part of an historic world wide
television link up hosted by David Frost and broadcast live from Leeds in
the United Kingdom in March 1979. Joshua Nkomo laughed at the world
following the viscount tragedy and boasted that his ZIPRA forces had shot
down the aircraft and could do so 'all the time' if they wished.
1.14
Cut 10
"If
the World had Another Hitler" Clem Tholet
"While the
nations scrap and scramble for this piece of land we own, do they ever
stop to think of where it leads." A live performance at the
Monomatapa Show in 1978 of this thought provoking song from Clem's album
'Songs of Love and War'.
3.28
Cut 11
"A
Terrorist's Lament" Wrex Tarr
Well known and
loved for his 'Chilapalapa' stories, Wrex Tarr sings this song of woe from
the hot Zambezi Valley. Taken from the CD "Cream of Chilapalapa"
produced and re-mastered by Grant Edmond in 2000.
2.29
Cut 12
"Lusaka
Tower - this is Green Leader"
Following the
second Viscount tragedy, Rhodesian forces launched a bold external
operation on terrorist training bases deep within Zambia. After the first
bombing run at Westlands Farm, 'Green Leader' delivered the now famous
speech to Lusaka tower.
4.31
Cut 13
"I'm
Just a Shumba Drinker"
Mike Westcott and
Leprechaun
When the dust of
the day had parched your throat, nothing restored your faith in your
fellow man faster than downing a few ice cold 'chiboolies'.
Shumba Drinkers at the time were known to "drink a dozen a day - ekse
ekse."
2.55
Cut 14
"Bushwallah" Alison Biggs
In the years following UDI, many people
left their homeland seeking new life on foreign shores only to find
themselves far away 'bushwallahs', "looking for something, but not
knowing what."
4.40
Cut 15
"Memories"
Peter Maxwell at the Monomatapa Hotel
Peter Maxwell first discovered the special warmth of Rhodesia and its
people as far back as 1962. Over many years he brought much joy to his
audiences through his humour and his music. With this song Peter takes us
into that special place in his heart that "shall perhaps be called by
any other name" but for him will always be "the country that I
love, called Rhodesia"
Video quality is dependant upon
internet connection speed
3.37
Cut 16
"Funky
Music" The Holy Black
Recorded in August 1974
during the Albert Hammond tour of South Africa, the song features Jerry
Barnard, Mel French, Neil Fox, John Davies, John MacBeth and Nic Pickard.
3.34
Cut 17
"Yena
Lo Golf" Wrex Tarr
The Royal
Salisbury Golf Club holds mixed emotions for many that played there - some
from the fairways and greens, others from within the clubhouse. For those
not familiar with the intricacies of the African game, our faithful caddy
Enoch takes us around a few holes as he see the game.
'Nyore
Nyore - Zimbabwe Furnishers'
Kenny
Cantor at the Monomatapa Hotel
From a special
medal awarded to the 'Forces Sweetheart,' to the day God met a few
politicians when they knocked at the Pearly Gates, the audience laughs
once again with Kenny Cantor.
5.45
Cut 18
"Day by Day"
Margie Stevens and the cast from 'Godspell'
The Salisbury Reps Theatre was founded in 1931 and grew to be highly
respected and praised amongst its peers for the dedication and skill of its
players. "Godspell", produced in 1973 by Adrian Stanley, was one
of the most successful productions ever staged at the theatre, helping life
to go on 'day by day' at the time.
3.05
Cut 19
Selous Scouts Parade
On the 16th June 1978, over 1500 men of
the regiment of the Selous Scouts marched onto the drill square at Andre
Rabie Barracks - the only time that this fine body of men was ever to parade
at full strength. The occasion was a medal parade at which the Grand Cross
of Valour was presented to Captain Chris Schulenburg. This recording is a
rare glimpse into the private world of these soldiers.
2.15
Cut
20
"Ode to
Joy" Paul Greeff
Paul Greeff and
the pipers from Churchill School perform the national anthem at the Rhodesia
Light Infantry Cranborne barracks and bring to a close the 1978 series of
Troop Shows. Our thanks to Beethoven for 'lending' us his music,
"giving us strength to face all danger and where challenge is to
dare".
4.25
Cut
21
"Rhodesians of the
World" John Edmond
"Though we're
scattered, somehow we are bonded by a spirit that is living still
today". The 'lost tribe' may today find itself in the far corners of
this world, but John Edmond reminds them that wherever they may be, the
values and integrity once held so dear now makes them 'Rhodesians of the
World'. The song is taken from his album of the same name.
3.08
Production
Credits:
Special thanks to all the artists and performers who allowed
me to
include their work in this compilation
'What a time it was - with so few friends to turn to...'
Dedicated to the memory of: Clem Tholet for his words and his music,
Peter Maxwell for his love of the country,
And Nic Pickard for his support in putting it all together...
