Gallo Vault Sessions podcast is a 6-part series brought to you by Gallo Music in collaboration with KONJO.

We delve into the story of Gallo Music, Africa’s largest and oldest recording company, and reflect on the ways music shapes culture, and how our culture has been shaped by music…both at the centre and periphery of Africa’s music history. We bridge 95 years of Gallo’s music history with KONJO’s passion for cultural storytelling and chat with artists, label executives, radio veterans and music thinkers as we explore the undercurrents, backstories and overlooked tapes from the Gallo Vault; from mbaqanga to soul, and also, provide you with a curated playlist to soundtrack each month.

Follow us on @gallorecordcompany & @k.o.n.j.o

In this episode of Gallo Vault Sessions we take a look at the story of Gallo Music as we celebrate Gallo Music’s 95th anniversary and learn about some of the key moments in South Africa’s recording industry history!

We’re joined by 5 people who have dedicated their lives to developing and understanding the South African music industry and its history, Rob Allingham, Mike Swaratlhe, Antos Stella, Ivor Haarburger & Sipho Sithole — all of whom have played a pivotal role in Gallo Music’s trajectory over the years.

Talking points: talent scouts, apartheid South Africa, Lucky Dube, Mahotella Queens, King Kong Musical, Sophiatown, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masikela, Dorothy Masuka, Stimela, Sharpeville Massacre, kwaito, Thandiswa Mazwai, Skwatta Kamp

Listen to the all-vinyl Gallo 95 Anniversary mix by Paul WaxOn here

Guests: Rob Allingham, Mike Swaratlhe, Antos Stella, Ivor Haarburger & Sipho Sithole

Narrator: Kineta Kunutu

Writer: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Producer: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Researcher: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Production support: The Good People @ Between Productions

Follow us on @gallorecordcompany & @k.o.n.j.o

In this episode of Gallo Vault Sessions we take a look at music’s role in the retribalisation project of the apartheid regime through the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s radio bantu, Gallo Music’s African music imprints, the impact this had on local conceptions of language, as well as what was deemed African music. 

We’re joined by last month’s guests, Sipho Sithole, Antos Stella, Bra Mike Swaratle, Ivor Haarburger, and Rob Allingham, and also meet some new voices; renowned musician Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, and South African radio veteran, Shado Twala, who all help us understand how race and genre have functioned in South Africa’s music and radio history!

Gallo Vault Sessions in collaboration with KONJO

Talking points: radio bantu, SABC, Hugh Tracey, Phuzushukela, Maskandi, Mavuthela, African catalog, Harari, Oliver Mtukudzi, Pharanyana, Percy Sledge, skokiaan, Thomas Chauke, Radio Thohoyandou, Radio Zulu, Radio Metro, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, radio dramas, language, LM radio, Peter Gallo, radio banning 

Listen to the all-vinyl mix exploring radio bantu and beyond, by Vusi Hlatywayo @el_metalo from Fly Machine Sessions @fly_machine_projects here

Guests: Shado Twala, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Rob Allingham, Mike Swaratlhe, Antos Stella, Ivor Haarburger & Sipho Sithole

Narrator: Kineta Kunutu

Writer: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Producer: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Researcher: Zara Julius @ KONJO

Artwork: PR$DNT HONEY

Production support: The Good People 

Follow us on @k.o.n.j.o & @gallorecordcompany