Cupido Brothers

The Cupido Brothers were part of the rich and eclectic South African pop scene that emerged in the 1970s, leaving behind a small but intriguing body of recordings in the Gallo archive.

Their recording history stretches back to at least 1973, when they released the single Late Again / Baby Blue. Four years later came their self-titled album, Cupido Brothers, released by Gallo in 1977. The 12-track record captures the brothers working within the international pop sound of the era, with a repertoire that included contemporary hits and melodic pop favourites.

Among the tracks were Clap Your Hands and Stamp Your Feet, I Can See Clearly Now, Shambala, Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree and You're So Vain, alongside Daniel, Get Down, Kentucky Blues and I'm on Fire. Their recordings offer a snapshot of a particular moment in South African popular music, when local artists were interpreting the sounds and songs circulating internationally while creating their own place within the country's evolving recording industry.

Today, the Cupido Brothers are a lesser-known name in the Gallo catalogue, but their recordings remain a fascinating part of the archive. Their 1977 album is a reminder of just how broad South Africa's popular music landscape was during the decade, and of the many artists whose work deserves to be rediscovered.

The Cupido Brothers may not have left behind an extensive documented biography, but what survives in the vault tells its own story: two brothers, a collection of enduring songs, and a place in the remarkable musical history preserved by Gallo.