South African-born jazz pianist Howard Belling played with his band as the resident act at the Royal Swazi Spa, a huge entertainment complex in Eswatini’s Ezulwini Valley.

The resort opened in 1965 – three years before Swaziland’s independence – and was only a four-hour drive from Johannesburg. With a casino, a par-72 golf course, and a spa, it was the region’s first casino hotel. 

What made it especially significant was that, unlike South Africa, it did not follow apartheid policies – making it an important holiday destination and cultural meeting point.

In 1974, Howard Belling recorded the album Howard Belling at Swazi Spa with his band. The cover alone is fantastic – the group pictured right in the middle of the casino setting. 

Musically, even more exciting: a driving version of Quincy Jones’ Money Runner.

The record isn’t particularly expensive – but it’s extremely hard to find. 

An almost forgotten CoverLove gem from South Africa.