# The Winners (10), Lionel Petersen – Feel Free
The Winners (10), led by vocalist Lionel Petersen, represent an important chapter in South African funk and soul music during the vinyl era. Released on EMI Records Ltd., "Feel Free" captures the group at a moment when they were blending traditional African sounds with contemporary funk rhythms, creating a distinctive sonic identity that resonated across the continent.
"Feel Free" showcases the ensemble's tight musicianship and Petersen's commanding vocal presence throughout its six-track runtime. The album opens with "Wedding Day," setting an energetic tone that establishes the group's funk credentials immediately. The title track, "Feel Free," follows as the album's centerpiece, delivering the kind of infectious groove that would have made this record a dancefloor staple. "Extra Lover" continues the funk momentum on the first side, demonstrating the band's ability to craft memorable melodies within their rhythmic framework.
Side B reveals the group's deeper artistic ambitions. "Lenyalo (Instrumental)" and "Inyatso (Instrumental)" provide intriguing instrumental interludes that highlight the band's proficiency and perhaps reference traditional South African musical elements. "Shayela Phantsi" closes the album, balancing soul sensibilities with the funk energy that defines the record.
For vinyl collectors interested in South African funk and soul, "Feel Free" represents an essential acquisition. The pressing captures the warmth characteristic of EMI's work during this period, while the music itself remains remarkably vital. This album deserves rediscovery by contemporary listeners seeking authentic, groove-oriented soul music with genuine cultural resonance.
