DESCRIPTION:
The OUTERNATIONAL MELTDOWN SESSIONS took place in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 1994, the year of democratic changes with Nelson Mandela becoming the first black presidentof South Africa. There was a lot of exitment surrounding the event well prepared by mainly Pops Mohamed and Sipho Gumede. It was the first time Brazilian and UK artists travelled to South Africa to work with local artists from all kinds of genres from Jazz to World Music to very traditional music involving sangomas (shamans) and African church choirs. Paul Bradshaw of Straight No Chaser was busy documenting the events whilst Pops Mohamed was running around organising the Joburg sessions. The recording sessions in both Johannesburg and Cape town were concluded by a live concert and it was here when we caught up with Pops Mohamed for a quick assesment and comments on the event. The main collaborators included Airto Moreira and Jose Neto from brazil, Andrew Missingham and Byron Wallen from the UK and the two local organisers Pops Mohamed and Sipho Gumede. Recording engineer and extremely busy was Peter Thwaites who deserves a medal for his work and patience !