https://solidgold.co.za Music industry veteran Benjy Mudie does a deep dive into what makes the music world tick. From interviews with leading artists, songwriters, publishers, radio DJs, label insiders, and producers, to stories from nearly 50 years in music. Sometimes funny, and often irreverent and controversial. He'll take you inside the backrooms and the back stages of the South African music industry. The concerts, the parties, the politics, the hedonism, the highs and lows of a headlong career. Along the way, Benjy passes along advice on how to chart the stormy and ever-changing landscape of the modern music business. It's from the hip podcasting brought to you exclusively by Solid Gold Podcasts. Music en Thu, 11 May 2023 08:52:07 +0200 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:53:56 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard no Yearly feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p1036/logo_8036_20250908_211304_1400.jpeg https://solidgold.co.za Music industry veteran Benjy Mudie does a deep dive into what makes the music world tick. Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard episodic Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard info@solidgold.co.za true ZA https://iono.qa/e/1642831 https://iono.qa/e/1642831
Van Blerk's story begins with a 13-year-old epiphany: "I could also be in music. There's nothing stopping me."

That certainty becomes the through-line of his entire career, from warehouse floor picker at Gallo to the architect of Joburg Records, South Africa's most significant independent label. His path reveals a fundamental truth: the music industry's gatekeepers are often those who started by genuinely loving the gate.

The Rabbitt saga stands as the podcast's emotional centerpiece, a Beatlemania-scale phenomenon that came terrifyingly close to global breakthrough before imploding. Van Blerk's willingness to discuss failure ("I know what mistakes I made") shows rare vulnerability. The detail about bullets flying in Hillbrow clubs while they rehearsed "Boys Will Be Boys" crystallises the raw, dangerous energy of that era's South African rock scene.

But it's his work with Margaret Singana that reveals van Blerk's true ANR instinct. Hearing her voice and feeling "shivers down my spine", then navigating apartheid's grotesque bureaucracy (the separate entrance for "black records" at the SABC) shows someone who let talent trump every institutional barrier. The arc from "I Never Loved a Man" to the wheelchair-bound recording of "We Are Growing" is heartbreaking and triumphant simultaneously.

Van Blerk's philosophy emerges clearly: "If you don't really, really love music and you're willing to lay down your life for it... get up now." His legacy isn't hits or wealth, it's sustained enthusiasm across fifty years of dark valleys. In an era of playlist algorithms and viral moments, his story reminds us that great music careers are built on one irreplaceable foundation: genuine, irrational, life-consuming love of the art itself.

As he says: "It's the music."

Everything else is commentary. Patric van Blerk · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:40:00 +0200 0 0 Stoking the star-making machine with a music legend | Patric van Blerk 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:31:13 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1572622 https://iono.qa/e/1572622
Jonathan Handley (guitarist & songwriter, Dave Davies (vocalist).

If you were tuned into South African music in the late '70s you couldn't help but remember a strange but compelling song called "ZX Dan" wafting across the pop airwaves. This tale of a travelling spaceman remains one of the greatest songs in the SA rock universe. Helmed by guitarist/songwriter Jonathan Handley and vocalist Dave Davies, Radio Rats remain one of the most independent and enigmatic groups and in this highly amusing episode they wax lyrical about life in the East Rand, why drummers want to be guitarists, drive-ins, and the lowdown on the making of the classic "Into the Night We Slide" album. Radio Rats on Facebook · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:42:00 +0200 0 0 Radio Rats slide into the night 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:11:08 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1539589 https://iono.qa/e/1539589
Yet, from this cauldron of chaos rose a moment of pure, defiant hope: the Concert in the Park. In this heart-wrenching 40th-anniversary special, we relive the day when 120,000 black and white South Africans converged at Ellis Park, their voices merging in a thunderous cry for unity, healing, and hunger relief.

Feel the tears well up as Johnny Clegg, Brenda Fassie, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, eVoid, Neil Johnson, Alex Jay, PJ Powers, Tim Parr, Heather Mac, Jarrod Aston, Erik & Lucien Windrich, and others recount the electric jolt of performing to a sea of faces—once segregated, now one.

Hear Hilton Rosenthal’s voice tremble as he recalls the spark of inspiration that defied a nation’s skepticism, and let the raw joy of a peaceful revolution wash over you.

This isn’t just a concert’s story—it’s the heartbeat of a rainbow nation daring to dream, a melody of resilience that still echoes through time.

Prepare to be moved by a day that changed South Africa's future. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:20:00 +0200 0 0 The Concert in the Park - 40th Anniversary Special 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:17:57 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1505512 https://iono.qa/e/1505512
Throughout the turbulent Eighties Shifty Records forged an uncompromising, if solitary, trail through the South African music business. Founded by avid music fan, Lloyd Ross, the studio and its accompanying label was responsible for creating a tsunami of original independent music that reflected both the musical and social revolution happening on the streets. In this episode Lloyd, accompanied by longtime friend and compatriot, Warrick Sony, takes the listener on an often-hilarious joyride through the highs and lows of Shifty, featuring the music of the likes of Happy Ships, Corporal Punishment, Gereformeerde Blues Band, Sankomota, Kalahari Surfers, Cherry Faced Lurchers and many more. Listen on Bandcamp · Connect with Lloyd · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Sat, 23 Nov 2024 12:41:00 +0200 0 0 All things Shifty 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:39:28 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1495758 https://iono.qa/e/1495758
Guitarist/drummer, singer, and writer, Gary Rathbone has spent the last 40 years skirting the parallel worlds of alternative rock and catchy jangly pop with bands like What Colors, The Aeroplanes, Urban Camouflage, The Spectres, The Weathervanes, and more recently, has struck out on his own with this brand of indie rock. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:46:00 +0200 0 0 Making music in an alternative nation | Gary Rathbone 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:23:55 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1481045 https://iono.qa/e/1481045 Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Sun, 15 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0200 0 0 A 3rd Ear Experience | Robbi Robb 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:41:07 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1455882 https://iono.qa/e/1455882 Catapulted into a helter skelter life of rock & roll at an early age, Wendy Oldfield has experienced multiple chart successes in the `80s with The Sweatband ("This Boy" and " Shape of her body") and over the next 3 decades career defining hits including " Acid Rain", " Miracle" and "Living in the real world". She has also collaborated with fellow musicians Robin Auld and Steve Newman. Fiercely independent she continues to push musical boundaries and is one of the most prolific artists in music today. In this episode Wendy reminisces about her baptism of fire in the Sweatband with the late John Mair, life in a band, going solo and why writing good songs is far more important than commercial success. Follow Wendy on Instagram · WendyOldfield.com · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Sat, 29 Jun 2024 11:03:00 +0200 0 0 Speaking her truth | Wendy Oldfield 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:08:49 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1437119 https://iono.qa/e/1437119
From interviews with leading artists, songwriters, publishers, radio DJs, label insiders, and producers, to stories from nearly 50 years in music. Sometimes funny, and often irreverent and controversial.

He'll take you inside the backrooms and the back stages of the South African music industry. The concerts, the parties, the politics, the hedonism, the highs and lows of a headlong career.

Along the way, Benjy passes along advice on how to chart the stormy and ever-changing landscape of the modern music business.

It's from the hip podcasting brought to you exclusively by Solid Gold Podcasts. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Thu, 02 May 2024 08:44:00 +0200 0 0 John Perlman and Benjy Mudie chat about the From the Hip podcast 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 9:47 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1435645 https://iono.qa/e/1435645
As an internationally acclaimed artist, producer, singer, arranger, and songwriter Cedric Samson should be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to South African music.

A child prodigy, his nearly 60-year career has seen him being creatively successful in many genres of music across the globe. In this episode, Cedric tells his story with a huge dollop of self-deprecating humour that will keep you in stitches. CedricSamson.co.za · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0200 0 0 Samson brings the house down! | Cedric Samson 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:13:38 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1416605 https://iono.qa/e/1416605
40 years ago, Ella Mental released their debut album "Uncomplicated Dreams". Fueled by smash singles and a devastating live show the band rapidly became one of the biggest rock bands in South African music history. Their incendiary performance at the legendary Concert in the Park in 1985 is still talked about to this day. In this episode founder members Heather Mac and Tim Parr take us on a journey through the heady 80`s...the clubs, the bands, the concerts, the fashions, the personalities, songwriting, their relocation to Ireland and the USA in pursuit of their rock and roll dream. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:53:00 +0200 0 0 Ella Mental my dear Watson! | Heather Mac and Tim Parr 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:02:47 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1547854 https://iono.qa/e/1547854
Hilton Rosenthal has done it all- a multi-talented music industry insider, he sketches out his rise from A&R executive to successful producer to concert visionary. Along the way his studio work with Johnny Clegg`s Juluka and Savuka produced multi-platinum albums globally and his contribution to the success of Paul Simon`s "Graceland" is immeasurable.

A HUGE thank you to Scatterlings (Pty) Ltd that owns worldwide master rights to all Juluka recordings and all South African rights for the Johnny Clegg & Savuka recordings. for granting Solid Gold Podcasts the rights to use the music in this episode. Connect with Hilton · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:10:00 +0200 0 0 From Impi to Concert in the Park | Hilton Rosenthal 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:30:18 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1402503 https://iono.qa/e/1402503
Neill Solomon journeys through fifty years of making original folk, rock, pop and world beat with side trips into performance theatre, painting, film soundtracks, the creative process and composition. His endless quest to use music as a tool of social awareness and change is inspiring and Neill also touched on poaching, freedom songs and refugees and how these causes have colored both his thinking and his art.. NeillSolomon.co.za · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:03:00 +0200 0 0 The Magic Man | Neill Solomon 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:12:34 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1399288 https://iono.qa/e/1399288
Danny de Wet is one funny guy...a natural storyteller of note, he has been, as he calls it, the `lead drummer` for some of the biggest South African bands in rock: eVoid , Petit Cheval., Electric Petals and Wonderboom plus a myriad of other outfits. He has also been a record company executive, tour manager, analytical chemist, club owner and author among other things. In this hilarious by-the-seat-of-your-pants episode, Danny brings the house down with his tales of life on the road, band politics rock excess and everything else in-between. A true one-of-a-kind legend, his stories will have you shaking with laughter and disbelief ! Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Wed, 24 Jan 2024 17:33:00 +0200 0 0 Sex, Drums & Rock and Roll! | Danny de Wet 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:00:25 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1380214 https://iono.qa/e/1380214
My guest in this episode of From the Hip with Benjy Mudie hardly needs an introduction; she is one of South Africa's most successful musicians with over 40 years of hit-making under her belt and is responsible for some of the most iconic songs in our musical history including Jabulani, Feel So Strong, You're So Good to Me, World in Union, and many more. Singer, philanthropist, author, and human rights activist she is included in the prestigious list of the Top 100 Great South Africans and one of this country’s most recognizable and enduring performers. It is indeed a great pleasure to sit in conversation with PJ Powers. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0200 0 0 Powers to the People! | PJ Powers 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:06:19 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1379578?v=1 https://iono.qa/e/1379578?v=1
This was an in-depth conversation with Lucien Windrich (éVoid guitarist and vocalist) and Erik Windrich (éVoid keyboardist and lead vocalist), the founding members of the iconic 1980s South African band éVoid.

They pioneered an innovative fashion style adopted by legions of fans called 'fadgets' and embraced African and ethnographic musical influences, creating a unique 'ethnopop' fusion style. éVoid exploded in popularity in the early 1980s with hits like 'Shadows' and 'Taximan'.

They also give some personal insights into the heady whirlwind period of éVoid mania', playing massive concerts like Ellis Park Stadium in 1984 and their move to the UK. Facebook Fadgets Fan Page · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Sun, 12 Nov 2023 12:44:00 +0200 0 0 One for the Fadgets! | éVoid 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:12:31 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1373586 https://iono.qa/e/1373586
Singer-songwriter Cindy Alter is no shrinking violet! With dollops of humour and candour, she reminisces about her time in South Africa's most successful pop export, Clout, scaling the heights of the global music business, travelling the world, and selling millions of records. Her band, Zia, were at the forefront of the Afro-pop movement of the 80's and enjoyed huge international success.

Cindy comes out guns blazing about the insincerity and backstabbing of the music industry, her battle with the twin enemies of dread disease and indifference, and her move to Nashville to pursue her songwriting. This riveting tale of a rock and roll warrior survivor who has remained true to her heart and art is essential listening. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0200 0 0 No Substitute! | Cindy Alter 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:26:05 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1367643 https://iono.qa/e/1367643
Trevor Rabin has scaled the heights of pop superstardom with Rabbitt, global recognition and chart success with prog rock demi-gods YES, and conquered the highest echelons of the competitive Hollywood motion picture soundtrack world with nearly 50 blockbusters to his credit. This is the story of a Joburg boy's dream to achieve global recognition as a musician.

Benjy and Trevor reconnect for the first time in 40 years, and they have a blast reliving his journey and also discussing his new album "Rio". You will hear hit songs from every part of his career, courtesy of Trevor. Trevor Rabin Music · Watch the Big Mistakes video · Watch the Push video · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Sat, 07 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0200 0 0 Rabbitt, YES, Hollywood - the inspiring story of a musician | Trevor Rabin 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:24:36 falses From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1362513 https://iono.qa/e/1362513 Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0200 0 0 From The Beaters to Burnout | Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 52:48 falses From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1359420?v=1 https://iono.qa/e/1359420?v=1 Tully has kindly authorized excerpts of key songs from the artist's career including a never-before-heard Falling Mirror song which was destined for a new album, the release cut short by guitarist Allan Faull's untimely passing. Tul Microphones · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0200 0 0 Alchemy in the studio | Tully McCully 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:23:48 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1357046 https://iono.qa/e/1357046
In this episode, Rob McLennan, founder and frontman of South Africa's most successful Goth band, No Friends of Harry and legendary punk/alternative radio DJ, Barney Simon swap musical war stories with host Benjy Mudie about the rise of alternative music and culture in heady days of '80s South Africa. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0200 0 0 What Alternative? | Rob McLennan and Barney Simon 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:21:33 From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1342336?v=1 https://iono.qa/e/1342336?v=1
In this episode, Benjy Mudie shoots the breeze with John Leyden and Claire Johnston of Mango Groove about the band's phenomenal success in the early nineties. They explore the early days of the band, the recording of that iconic multi-platinum-selling first album, the high-profile international tours, the memorable videos, those quintessential pop singles, and the pressure of being arguably the most successful South African pop band of all time.

Laced with loads of humour and incisive comments about culture, politics, fashion and music, Mango Groove's infectious and irresistible songs are ingrained in our national DNA. Still headlining concerts across the country to this day, Mango Groove remains a South African institution. Mango Groove on Soundcloud · Thank you to Gallo Music · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Sun, 06 Aug 2023 09:10:00 +0200 0 0 Special Stars - the Mango Groove explosion | John Leyden and Claire Johnston 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 1:26:53 falses From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1331567 https://iono.qa/e/1331567
Host of From The Hip Benjy Mudie explores South African music with Eighties pop sensations MarcAlex. Hailing from their humble beginnings in Diepkloof Soweto, Marc and Alex Ranseli shot to the top of the charts with their brand of infectious danceable soul, becoming the only South African artists to have two Number One hits in one year. In this episode they recall their meteoric rise to fame with songs like "Quick Quick", "Boys B Boys" and "My life, my love, my everything", the pitfalls of the music business and recording in the twin capitals of music, London and New York. MarcAlex on Soundcloud · Thank you to Gallo Music · Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Thu, 13 Jul 2023 19:11:00 +0200 0 0 Quick Quick to the top of the charts! | Marc and Alex Rantseli 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 55:13 falses From the Hip with Benjy Mudie https://iono.qa/e/1309110 https://iono.qa/e/1309110
From interviews with leading artists, songwriters, publishers,, radio DJs, label insiders, and producers, to stories from nearly 50 years in music. Sometimes funny, and often irreverent and controversial.

He'll take you inside the backrooms and the back stages of the South African music industry. The concerts, the parties, the politics, the hedonism, the highs and lows of a headlong career.

Along the way, Benjy passes along advice on how to chart the stormy and ever-changing landscape of the modern music business.

It's from the hip podcasting brought to you exclusively by Solid Gold Podcasts. Vinyl Junkie Website · Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard · Connect with Benjy on LinkedIn · Music Rights Clearances]]> Music Thu, 11 May 2023 08:52:00 +0200 0 0 Welcome to From the Hip with Benjy Mudie 0 0 Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard full 0:54 falses From the Hip with Benjy Mudie