The Very Best of the Manhattan Brothers

Playing this album will have three effects on everyone who hears it. First you'll smile. Next you'll start tapping your feet or snapping your fingers. Then you'll find yourself singing lines like "vuka vuka" and "dubula mfanandini" and "hey, won't you come in and be my guest!" Seriously. Try it.

The Manhattan Brothers was one of the most influential vocal groups in the history of South Africa's music. During the late '40s and '50s, the group appeared regularly on South African television and radio and influenced succeeding generations with their style of dress, speech, attitude, and lifestyle. The first South African group to have a record in the Top 100 chart compiled by Billboard -- "Lovely Lies," which reached number 45 in March 1956 -- the Manhattan Brothers have continued to influence the music of South Africa.