"Rhodesia was Super"  
 

Track 1  11^th November 1965  4.44 

John Bishop introduces Prime Minister Ian Smith and the announcement that changed an entire nation, the Unilateral Declaration of Rhodesia's Independence at 1pm on the afternoon of 11^th November 1965. 

      "Rhodesians Never Die" Clem Tholet   

"We will stand tall in the sunshine with the truth upon our side" - the original recording of the song that became an anthem amongst Rhodesians. Originally released in 1973, the song was later re-recorded at Shed Studios for Clem's debut album 'Songs of Love and War'. 
 
 

Track 2 "It's a Long way to Mukumbura" Mike Westcott and Leprechaun  4.28 

Anyone who has ever been to 'Mukkers' (with or without a surf board…) will know just how far this pleasant spot is from anywhere - except the border with Mozambique! Mike Westcott and the boys from Leprechaun are "going up there to stir…" 
 
 

Track 3 "The Wireless" 2.33 

      Supersonic  

      Forces Requests 

When military call-up separated loved ones, the 'wireless' on a Saturday afternoon was that special place where those far apart could 'meet' and send their special messages via the 'Forces Sweetheart', Sally Donaldson. 

Oyster Box 

One of broadcasting's best loved personalities, Geoffrey Atkins had times when even his smooth tongue did not quite get around the script - in this case when The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks requested "the pleasure of your company." 

      Quiz Call 

Radio quiz shows in Africa at the time were often a feast for the listener - when combined with live telephone calls, as with this Cashel Valley programme, anything could happen. 
 
 
 
 

Track 4 Kenny Cantor at the Monomatapa Hotel  1.22 

A popular comedian and guest artist in the Christmas pantomime shows at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Kenny Cantor lends his unmistakable chuckle to the reasons why he failed his army medical.  
 
 

Track 5 "Sweet Banana" Rhodesian African Rifles 3.15    

An impromptu 'live rendering' of their regimental march recorded on the cricket field at Shaw Barracks, the home of the 2^nd Battalion Rhodesian African Rifles in Balla Balla. One cannot help but feel the pride and commitment of these fine soldiers to their regiment as they added their voices to the Troop Show line up of 1978. 
 
 

Track 6 "What a Time" Clem Tholet 6.13 

This song, written for an information film of the same name, is performed live at the Monomatapa ballroom during the final performance of the 1978 series of television Troop Shows produced for the Border Patrol Welfare Fund. "What a time it was… with so few friends to turn to…" 
 
 

Track 7 Caribbea Bay  0.45 

Lake Kariba will always hold a special place for all that have visited its vast waters - Caribbea Bay Hotel was one of the early developments built on the lakeshore - a perfect family holiday destination. Often safer to fly in to Kariba than risk the playful temperament of the jumbos on the road near Makuti, one still had to fly out again… 
 
 

Track 8 The Deafening Silence 4.05  

The Very Reverend J. R. da Costa, Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Mary and All Saints in Salisbury delivered these powerful words on Friday 8 September 1978. This memorial service was held following the shooting down of the Viscount Hunyani, VP WAS near Kariba 5 days earlier. The silence is still 'deafening'. 
 

Track 9 "The Global Village" 1.14 

Part of an historic world wide television link up hosted by David Frost and broadcast live from Leeds in the United Kingdom in March 1979. Joshua Nkomo laughed at the world following the viscount tragedy and boasted that his ZIPRA forces had shot down the aircraft, but had not murdered the survivors. 
 

Track 10 "If the World had another Hitler" Clem Tholet  3.28 

"While the nations scrap and scramble for this piece of land we own, do they ever stop to think of where it leads." A live performance at the Monomatapa Show in 1978 of this thought provoking song from Clem's album 'Songs of Love and War'. 
 
 

Track 11  "A Terrorist's Lament" Wrex Tarr  2.29 

Well known and loved for his 'Chilapalapa tales', Wrex Tarr sings this song of woe from the hot Zambezi Valley. Taken from the CD "Cream of Chilapalapa" produced and re-mastered by Grant Edmond in 2000. 
 
 

Track 12 Green Leader  4.31 

Following the second viscount tragedy, Rhodesian forces launched a bold external operation on terrorist training bases deep within Zambia. After the first bombing run, 'Green Leader' delivered the famous speech to Lusaka tower. 
 
 

Track 13 "I'm Just a Shumba Drinker" Mike Westcott and Leprechaun  2.55 

When the dust of the day had parched your throat, nothing restored your faith in your fellow man better than downing a few ice cold 'chiboolies' - Shumba Drinkers were known to "drink a dozen a day - ekse ekse." 
 
 

Track   "Bushwallah" Alison Biggs  4.40 

In the years following UDI, many people left their homeland seeking a new life on foreign shores only to find themselves far away 'bushwallahs', "looking for something, but not knowing what." 
 
 

Track 15 "Memories" Peter Maxwell  3.37 

Peter Maxwell first discovered the special warmth of Rhodesia and its people as far back as 1962. Over many years he brought much joy to his audiences through his humour and his music. "Memories" takes us into that special place in his heart that "shall perhaps be called by any other name" but for him will always be "the country that he loves called Rhodesia."  
 

Track 16 "Funky Music" The Holy Black 3.34  

Track 17 "Yena lo Golf" Wrex Tarr  5.45 

The Royal Salisbury Golf Club holds mixed emotions for many that played there - some from the fairways and greens, others from within the clubhouse. For those not familiar with the intricacies of the African game, our faithful caddy Enoch takes us around a few holes as he see the game.  

            Zimbabwe Furnishers - "Nyore Nyore"  

            Kenny Cantor at the Monomatapa Hotel 

From a medal for the 'Forces Sweetheart' to the day God met a few politicians at the Pearly Gates, the audience laughs once again with Kenny Cantor. 
 
 

Track 18 "Day by Day" Margie Stevens and the cast from 'Godspell' 3.05 

The Salisbury Reps Theatre was founded in 1931 and grew to be highly respected and praised amongst its peers for the dedication and skill of its players. "Godspell", produced in 1973 by Adrian Stanley, was one of the most successful productions ever staged at the theatre, helping life to go on 'day by day' at the time. 
 
 

Track 19 Selous Scouts on Parade 2.15 

On the 16^th June 1978, over 1500 men of the regiment of the Selous Scouts marched onto the drill square at Andre Rabie Barracks - the only time that this fine body of men was ever to parade at full strength. The occasion was a medal parade at which the Grand Cross of Valour was presented to Captain Chris Schulenburg. This recording is a rare glimpse into the private world of these professional soldiers. 
 
 

Track 20 "Ode to Joy" Paul Greeff  4.25 

Paul Greeff and the pipers from Churchill School perform the national anthem at the Rhodesia Light Infantry Cranborne barracks and bring to a close the 1978 series of Troop Shows. Our thanks to Beethoven for 'lending' us his music, "giving us strength to face all danger and where challenge is to dare". 
 
 

Track 21 "Rhodesians of the World" John Edmond  3.08 

"Though we're scattered, somehow we are bonded by a spirit that is living still today". The 'lost tribe' may today find itself in the far corners of the world, but John Edmond reminds them that wherever they may be, the values and integrity once held so dear now makes them 'Rhodesians of the World'. The song is taken from his album of the same name.