Rare, cosmic soundtrack album at the intersection of psych and prog that blends acoustic guitars and synths and is loaded with library atmosphere and sample potential. Think Obscured by Clouds meets Tubular Bells in South Africa in 1977.
In the aftermath of South Africa's explosive heavy psych scene of the late-1960s, independent rock takes a variety of interesting turns. As the 1970s unfold, we observe the progressive influences of new technology, retreats into singer-songwriter introspection and forays into New Age spirituality. One album from former Abstract Truth and Freedoms Children guitarist Kenny Henson performs the astonishing task of integrating all of these new musical directions into a single mystical package.
A soundtrack project commissioned by the South African Council of Churches, produced by the indie 3rd Ear Music label and issued locally by Warner Bros. Records, Let Us Become Man emerges from an extraordinary intersection of stakeholders. Meticulously crafted in the studio by Henson alongside engineer Nino Rivera and a host of collaborators, the album stands as a project driven by deep artistic ambition rather than commercial success and it emerges in the 21st century as a cult classic.
In the wake of Freedom's Children with Malombo Jazz Makers and John Oakley-Smith's Matinees on Saturdays, Kenny Henson's Let Us Become Man completes a trilogy of Sharp-Flat releases from the 3rd Ear Music archive. 2026 boutique press replica reissue on black and limited edition colour vinyl with original inner reproduced as an insert.
A1. The Voice Spoke 02:34
A2. The First Book (It Was Good) 07:21
A3. Our Image and Likeness 05:03
A4. Alienation 07:26
B1. Becoming Man 10:03
B2. Glorious in Majesty - The Gradual 07:02
B3. Onwards 01:25
Music Composed, Arranged and Performed by Kenny Henson
("The Gradual" an old Hebrew melody arranged by Henson)
Conception: Greg Lourens
Produced by Kenny Henson and Nino Rivera
Recorded at Videosound, Johannesburg (at various times between April 1975 and February 1976)
Engineered by Nino Rivera
Mixed at Videosound by Nino Rivera and Kenny Henson
KENNY HENSON – Acoustic, electric, nylon string, slide and bowed guitars. Bass guitar. ARP Odyssey synthesiser, Elka Rhapsody string synthesiser. Piano, electric piano, clarinet, harpsichord, vibes, congas, bells, assorted percussion, breathing.
COLIN PRATLEY – Drums on "Our Image and Likeness" and "Alienation". Tympani on "Alienation".
RAMSAY MACKAY – Narrator and bass guitar on "Alienation". Narrative written by Ramsay.
MARALIN VAN REENEN – Vocals.
MIKE DICKMAN – Acoustic lead guitar on final section of "Becoming Man".
ANDREW TRACEY – Tamboura on "The First Book (It was Good)".
Artwork by Alan Cameron
Sleeve Design and Photos: Greg Lourens
Special thanks to Sue for her constant source of inspiration and encouragement. Greg Lourens for allowing me total freedom in the writing and recording of this album. All who appear on this album for sharing their talents and Alan for his beautiful artwork.
A Communication Workshop Production
South African Council of Churches
Braamfontein, Johannesburg
With 3rd Ear Music, South Africa
Cat. No. SF18
℗ 1977 3rd Ear Music © 2026 Sharp-Flat Records
