Buskaid: Marks’ Special

"Marks Special" by Marks Mankwane (1939-1998)

Marks Special is a township jive song which we included in the first streamed concert from our 2017 performance. This is another version from our 2014 concert, with different choreography. The composer, Marks Mankwane, was a South African musician from Bela Bela: he was a composer, arranger, and producer, and performed widely on both penny whistle and guitar. Marks was part of a group of prominent Kwela and Marabi musicians in the 60s and 70s, who experimented with entirely new and innovative styles of township music. This music was named 'mbaqanga' - a traditional snack made in the rural areas. Although originally a derogatory term, this became the genre's main name. "Marks Special" is arranged by members of the Buskaid ensemble.

This performance was filmed at a concert given in 2014 by the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble at the Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg.

The Buskaid Music School is situated in Diepkloof Soweto, and offers high quality string tuition to the local, less privileged community. In 2022 Buskaid celebrates its 25th Anniversary.