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Mango Groove’s hit song “Special Star” could arguably be one of South Africa’s post-apartheid theme songs.  Now, the group are dazzling both young and old at festivals ahead of their latest album release.Lead singer Claire Johnston, who has been with the group for more than 30 years, said having joined Mango Groove aged 17, her passion for performing was still the same.

“You almost don’t realise how much time has gone by, especially if you keep your passion and you still want to do it. “Times may have changed, but the essence of performing is the same.

“You’re still on stage having fun and that has remained the ethos of Mango Groove,” she said. The band will be performing at the Emmarentia Live Festival on Women’s Day next month alongside Freshlyground, Gangs of Ballet, Beatenberg and Micasa.

Fans can expect to hear hits like “Special Star”, “Hellfire”, “Dance Sum More” and their latest single. During their hiatus the group have been working on new music. Johnston wasn’t ready to elaborate on details of the new album, but explained that it would be released in a few months together with a visual component.

“We’ve always taken our time with projects because it also has to sound like Mango Groove,” she said. “This album has taken longer because a lot of us went through a rough personal time.

“It’s been very emotional, but that has made it a very special album.” The first single, which was released late last year, is authentically Mango Groove and fresh. Johnston said “Mango makes more sense live” and that people still loved their older hits.

“Twenty years ago I got annoyed that people only wanted to hear ‘Special Star’, but I realised that people love it so much and I shouldn’t question it.

“Even though people know the song, they are still surprised every time we perform it,” she said.

The 11-member group have performed at a few local music festivals this year, but remain selective about how often and where they perform.

Johnston said this was because they realised the importance of taking a break.

“Mango Groove is not everyone’s cup of tea, but to the extent that it is we can’t barge into people’s living rooms everyday.

“We have to allow people time and space to fall in love with us.”

After 31 years with the group, Johnston said not only had her confidence grown, but also she was still thrilled that no matter where they performed or to whom, people knew Mango Groove. — Sowetan.