Happy new year, Benn loxo listeners. I know it’s been a while (again), but I’m over it.. and so are you once you listen to today’s selections. In fact, why don’t I do a few posts to play catch-up. I’d rather do this than clean-up my apartment. You see, last night was games night and there are cards, whisky glasses and poker chips everywhere.

South African pop music started hitting Western ears when the marabi sound emerged in the early decades of the 20th century. Marabi mixed American-style blues and jazz with some of the traditional forms popular at the time with black youth in South African urban centers.

To keep the post somewhat seasonal: at some stage during my family’s Christmas party someone inevitably busts out some Elvis’ Blue Christmas, sung or recorded. It’s a personal favourite. So it’s with great pleasure that I bring you some Elvis imitation post-marabi South African 1950s pop music from Benoni Rocket. Not only does Rocket have a great name, but his voice is smooth and the guitar jangle jangles just the way I like it on a Thursday.

Zim, thanks as always. Ms. Irish and the TristeOne, this music may just motivé me up to Gambetta for that late night dance afterall…

ps- that’s not Rocket in the photo, but instead Kool Keith from his album, Black Elvis.

Benoni Rocket – I’m Gonna Rocket
Benoni Rocket – I’m Gonna Shake Rattle and Roll
Benoni Rocket – Last Night