The socio-cultural milieu in which Shalati Joseph Khosa grew up can be described as traditional Christian and music loving, abounding with folklore and often given to story telling, generous in its conception of kinship and imbued with a deep sense of culture.

It is widely accepted that SJ Khosa, musical prodigy turned legend, had, by the time of his demise in 2013, at the age of 77 years, composed well over 800 songs. What is perhaps less well known is that no less than 75 of those songs were in fact hymns based on Christian themes and popular passages from both the Old and New Testaments, predominantly the latter.

This album is a collection of original Christmas carols that are unmistakably African in tone, rhythm and syncopation. The title track ‘Khisimusi’ (‘Christmas’ in Xitsonga), has been translated into english by myself - SJ’s clansman and brother by choice. It would be no exaggeration to claim that the Christmas carol ‘Joy to the World’ fi nds its match in ‘Nkulungwana Hi Dzonga’ (You people of the south, rejoice for unto you a Saviour is born). For good measure, these African Christmas carols are interspersed with hymns based on powerful biblical themes such as the legend of the parting of the Red Sea (‘Ta Lwandle Le’ro Tshwuka’); the Israelites longing to return to Jerusalem by the rivers of Babylon (‘Emilambyeni Ya Babelona’); and to crown it all - ‘The Lord’s Prayer’.

Listening to this collection, particularly ‘Ndzi Navela eKaya Ra Le Henhla’ (I am Yearning for My Heavenly Home), one can appreciate in depth SJ Khosa’s final life episode. Lying on his death bed, Xingwavila – his last born daughter, offered to soothe him with Handel’s Water Music, which he cherished. His response? “Relax dear daughter, I am now listen-ing to marvellous heavenly melodies.”

Dr Reuel J Khoza

Brothers in Music, Brothers by Choice, Choice Brothers!