South African singer/songwriter Cosbie Mbele was in New York on that fateful September 11 when the World Trade Centre was attacked. She has titled her latest CD Let’s Unite as “a message of unity during these times of uncertainty to remind our people that we can conquer all evil, injustice poverty and hatred if we’re united.“

The songs on the CD are mostly written by her and celebrate her history, culture and personal feelings as well as a reminder of the struggles and history of the African people.

A former teacher in Soweto, she toured Europe with the Soweto Teachers Choir before leaving South Africa ito pursue an academic career in the United States where she became a college professor of English and Education at the New York City University where she graduated.

In 1981, with her equally talented brother Thami who is now her business partner in the US, she produced Memories which was later recorded for Gallo Records in South Africa. Cosie and Thami formed Afrozania Productions in America and use this partnership to promote South African music including their own. They also wrote the book Lady Africa and Cosie has produced her autobiography USA – The Other Side.

The album Let’s Unite includes titles such as the finger tapping Forbidden Love, the dramatic We’ve been together, the upbeat Siyashadisa, the bluesy Be what you are, and Unontombi which has a nice rural feel and use of penny whistle as well as the title song.

Thami joins her in writing Shukuma which has good rhythm but an over-use of higher register from the backing singers, Aphi Amaqhawe and Bantu Bakithi.

The songs are in English and Zulu and Cosbie has good clear diction so one is able to hear the words of the songs which is important as her lyrics are good. Occasionally the backing singers are not entirely in tune but in general it’s a very pleasing CD.

Cosbie is managed and marketed in South Africa by Chris Ntuli of Durban Black Drifters Entertainment. Contact 073 301 6740 or 031 705 7969. – Caroline Smart