Cheek To Cheek - Total Freedom (1991) [Vinyl]

Cheek To Cheek were one of the most popular bubblegum acts of their day. Though arguably past their prime by the time they put out the gospel-tinged Total Freedom, the album still has catchy numbers that show off the superior skills of Dougmore Malotana (keys) and Phumi Maduna (vocals) on tracks like 'Champion', 'Never Give Up'

"One of the most powerful duets of the eighties was a hit machine called Cheek To Cheek. Its key members were keyboard magician Dougmore Madoda Malotana and singing sensation Phumi Maduna. Before he met Phumi, Madoda was playing for Johnny Clegg and Sipho Mchunu's might crossover band Juluka." (Mojapelo 2008:120)

Dougmore is the brother of Desmond Malotana, the keyboardist in Brenda's backing back, the Big Dudes. Phumi and Brenda were also close friends. Though Cheek To Cheek aren't as well-known today, at one stage they were seen as Brenda & The Big Dudes' closest rivals.