Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: September 13, 2024

History of House has been an absolute dream for those of us at KCRW to encounter. It was conceived by Australian producer Groove Terminator and fully realized in collaboration with Grammy winning producer, composer, and mixer — Latroit. The pair further collaborated with the multi-Grammy winning Soweto Gospel Choir to create an album of house music masterpieces, sung in Zulu. In the words of KCRW Music Director Anne Litt, the project is: “full of joy and positivity. You will know these songs. You will recognize their power and you will be transported.”

Now, prepare to be transported indeed, because the LA-based Latroit is bringing it to vivid life in what is perhaps the most impressive “dress rehearsal” we’ve ever experienced. What you’ll hear as part of this Morning Becomes Eclectic performance archive is a crackling live band of performers from a range of African countries — Nhlanhla Zulu (piano), Sboniso Ncwane (percussion), Mthobisi Sibisi (guitar), Sandile Dlamini (bass), Ayanda Nxumalo (backing vocals), Baetile Sebata (backing vocals), and Nomvula Maneli (lead vocals). Plus, in case that’s not quite robust enough for ya, they’re rounded out by LA gospel royalty DC6 Singers Collective.

We strongly encourage you to to experience this for yourself on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the grand finale of KCRW’s Summer Nights 2024 — this one with Century Park. Scrub to 02:09:21 using the player button on this page for a sneak preview while you RSVP for that forthcoming (FREE) Saturday night spectacular. And hear more directly from Latroit and lead vocalist Nomvula Maneli about how this highly ambitious project originated, the similarities between house music and South African amapiano, and a whole lot more.