Jazzuary FM: Recent Episodes
Jazzuary FM
The final hour of #TheQuietConversation is dedicated to reading poetry on air.
In this this episode Quaz reads poems from the Poetry Potion Print editions Numbers 6, 9, 11 and 12 and Timbila 2000, while Qhakaza shares poems from Sarah Godsell’s Liquid Bones, Vangile Gantsho’s Red Cotton, Danai Mupotsa’s Feeling and Ugly, and Busisiwe Mahlangu’s Surviving Loss.
Qhakaza and Quaz are joined by celebrated singer-songwriter and poet Sió. They talk about her interesting upbringing in Ennerdale, her introduction to poetry and her early recording days. Sió shares highlights of her journey into electro music, unpacks the themes in her debut album Sbtxts and talks about her new album Features.
Sióbhan, Sió, “The Twilight child”, King is a storyteller, who uses music and poetry to tell her stories. A lover of words and melodies, the Johannesburg based songstress often gravitates towards dark imagery, weaving love, thoughtfulness and dash of rebellion in her work.
With a unique gift of storytelling and a voice to match, Sió has become a respected and much sought after vocalist both locally and abroad, with an uncanny ability to make hits that stand out, not only from the crowd, but each other.
Sió's Collaborations include: Luka, Jullian Gomes, rkls, Kid Fonque, Fred Everything, UPZ, Cuebur, Dwson And Charles Webster to name a few, with Remixes of the Hit Single 1000 Memories By Jullian Gomes reworked by the stellar quartet of Osùnlade, Fred Everything, Karizma, Atjazz and many more worldwide.
Qhakaza and Quaz open the #TheQuietConversation with a tribute to publisher and champion of South African literature; Nadia Goetham, who sadly passed away on the 25th April 2021. They share poems by Sarah Jones, Leshie Lovesong, Yamoria and Wole Soyinka. They also share poetry news and upcoming events and discuss the poll outcome on audience votes for the WordnSound Digital Slam.
TheQuietConversation with Makhafula Vilakazi
In this episode of #TheQuietConversation Qhakaza and Quaz are joined by renowned poet Makhafula Vilakazi. They talk about his early days as a young poet, the impact of Ntate Ike Mboneni Muila’s poetry on his own work and the inspiration behind the colourful and conflicted characters in his poems. They also unpack his new - very confrontational - poetry album, "Concerning Blacks".
Makhafula Vilakazi grew up in Chiawelo, Soweto. His poetry is a fusion of Tsotsitaal, English, Zulu and Sotho interspersed into an uncompromising depiction of township life, exploring issues which affect his community such as, unemployment and crime.
TheQuietConversation with Paul Mvulane Mnisi
In this episode of #TheQuietConversation Qhakaza and Quaz catch up with broadcasting royalty, Paul Mvulane Mnisi aka Rudeboy Paul. They take a walk down Paul’s past, revisiting his familial influences, and his early broadcasting days. They also chat about his stint as an award-winning editor and dissect the seminal role he played in getting poetry on radio through the Word of Mouth feature on YFM in the early 2000’s.
Paul Mvulane Mnisi is a renowned radio and television presenter, poet and award-winning editor.
TheQuietConversation with Napo Masheane
In this episode of #TheQuietConversation, poet, actress and playwright Napo Masheane joins Qhakaza and Quaz for a conversation about her work in theatre and poetry. They talk about her influences and the immeasurable impact of the poetry collective Feela Sistah. Napo also shares the origin of the title of her latest theatre production “My vagina was not buried with him”.
Napo is a recipient of the Mbokodo Award, Pan African Language Award, and South African Film & Television Award. She has to date published three poetry collections, Caves Speak in Metaphors (2009), Fat Songs For My Girlfriends (2012), and Heartbeat Of The Rain (2019).
Hlubi has travelled around the world performing in various music and dance productions. He has also composed and arranged songs for local artists such as Asanda Bam and the late Labella Dani.
Kwebulana was born in Cape Town and began performing professionally in 1997 with an African band called Jika Marimba and Dance Ensemble.
Cape Town born Jazz Vocalist who studied Music (Jazz Singing) at the University of Cape Town, College of Music (UCT College of Music), graduated in 2010 with Post Graduate Diploma in Music (Jazz Singing: CUM LAUDE ). Lead Vocalist for the UCT Big Band (2005 – 2010), Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band (2010 & 2011), Winner of the Jazz Idols Open Mic.
While in the MAG(Music Academy of Gauteng) Jazz Orchestra Mthunzi had the privilege to share his musical experiences and rub shoulders with international counterparts during the visits in countries such as England, Sweden, USA, Germany, Russia to name a few. During the USA tour, he played at 32nd annual IAJE conference where he and other MAG students were awarded a Special Citation for Outstanding Musicianship. He was also a part of the MAG big band that accompanied Kevin Mahogany and Everest Greene.
Young Daveyton-born saxophonist, pianist and composer Mthunzi Mvubu started his music career at the tender age of 14 under the mentorship of veteran trumpeter Dr Johnny Mekoa, who also tutored other young jazz stars like Malcolm Jiyan
The Quiet Conversation with Qhakaza Mohare and Quaz Roodt explores the organic relationship between Spoken Word and Jazz.
The show focuses on poetry and jazz music but also features interviews with poets, musicians and various industry players. They spotlight poetry related events, review poetry and jazz projects and present a poem of the week for listeners to check out.
The Quiet Conversation with Qhakaza Mohare and Quaz Roodt explores the organic relationship between Spoken Word and Jazz.
The show focuses on poetry and jazz music but also features interviews with poets, musicians and various industry players. They spotlight poetry related events, review poetry and jazz projects and present a poem of the week for listeners to check out.
The Quiet Conversation with Qhakaza Mohare and Quaz Roodt explores the organic relationship between Spoken Word and Jazz.
The show focuses on poetry and jazz music but also features interviews with poets, musicians and various industry players. They spotlight poetry related events, review poetry and jazz projects and present a poem of the week for listeners to check out.
Nduduzo Makhathini Is a South African jazz musician from Umgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Coming from a musical family, his love for music began at an early age
Nduduzo Makhathini Blue Note's newest recording artist, pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini, also practices as a sangoma, a traditional South African healer. On this program, Makhathini guides us through two recordings in which he combines his healing and musical practices
Having released his debut album ‘Baba’, he intends to conduct a series of promotional tours around the country.
The relationship between student and teacher plays a large role in the trajectory of a child's academic success and social development
Yonela Mnana is a blind pianist and singer who grew up in Mamelodi Pretoria. Born in the Transkei and schooled in Pietersburg, Mnana’s geographical traversals privileged him with a rich soundscape including African and western choral styles,
IN 2010 NTLAKS JOINED A GROUP CALLED TSHWANE GOSPEL CHOIR AS LEAD SINGER AND A BACKING VOCALIST. IN 2011 I HOSTED A SHOW CALLED GOSPEL FIESTA FEATURING WILLIAM SEJAKE,SBU BANDA,THABANG MAVUNGA ,DELIGHT SOUND FROM WITBANK. IN 2015 NTLAKS DID A SHOW WITH LEGENDARY TSHEPO TSHOLA..(FATHER AND A SON)IN 2016-2019 I JOINED A COMPANY CALLED PUO-MEDIA AS A VOCAL TEACHER AND SMALL ENSEMBLE,AND LEFT THE COMPANY AT THE END OF 2019..
MANDLA TSHEPO GIVEN NTLATLANE WAS BORN IN 1986 IN MPUMALANGA GEMSBOKSPRUIT,M NTLAKS STARTED HIS SINGING CAREER IN 1996 IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR (HLOLISISA P SCHOOL)AND CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL(INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLIES OF GOD)IN 2000 HE JOINED A GROUP CALLED VOICES OF PRAISE CONSISTING OF 80 MEMBERS,WERE HE STARTED TO LEARN HOW TO BE A LEAD SINGER,A CONDUCTOR,A BACKING VOCALIST ASWELL AS IMITATING THE LEGENDS,LIKES OF JONAS GWANGWA,TSHEPO TSHOLA,HUGH MASEKELA,MAHLATHINI,OSCAR PETERSON,JUST TO NAME SOME
She is now a freelance musician who now leads her own unit which is the one she will be performing with.
Saxophonist Linda Tshabalala. It was the discipline that Mekoa instilled on his students that made Linda survive in South Korea.
A young lady saxophonist from Daveyton, Benoni. She started playing the saxophone under the tutelege of Johnny Mekoa at the Music Academy of Gauteng
With the diverse influences of different cultures and backgrounds we can expect something with a lot of influence yet exciting. BandaBanda is always been out spoken about being an African and the African voice to be heard all over the world.. That always turn to come out on his Music. This comes from his love for world music Pop and Jazz. The Crocodiles is about Cultural Exchange and sharing
This band is a trio that was started and ran buy Banda for the Sunday Jazz Sessions at a venue called Sophiatown. That is where everyone played together for the first time. He will call different Musician to come play and invite different Singers to Feature. This became a home to all Jazz Lovers. The Trio Plays from Straight ahead to some familiar jazz classics but re -Arranged South African Classics. Bernice Biokanyo is a familiar name on the Jazz scene he will be on Drums. Nathi on Piano Originates from Swaziland He first came to South Africa to Study music at Natal Tech where he enrolled at the jazz department.
Banda Banda & The Crocodiles. This Project is an idea of putting great Versatile Musicians from different Parts of the world as collabarations. Banda is Known for the love of music and his unique way of approaching the bass which made him to stand out.
Dumisani Maswana, aka, Dumza, is a name that is sending a strong message to all the music lovers out there,He is a special gem, who is full of spoke and passion for what he does
When Dumza Maswana sings, he does so in such a rich baritone that he can drown out the incessant screams from swooning fans in the crowd.
Dumza Maswana has virtually launched his first live DVD production, Dumza Maswana Live, which will be available on online platforms until December 13
Lex Futshane a prolific composer, arranger, educator, performer and an internationally proclaimed bassist (electric and acoustic).
NEW Afro-soul artist ZolaSoul is making waves in the music industry with the release of his debut album, Thando Lokwenene. ZolaSoul, real name Zola Futshane, has been singing since his primary school days but was given an opportunity to record his music two years ago.
Selaelo Selota's music sounds like home. With enchanting musical compositions such as Seshego and Trrr...Phaaa, it's hard not to think of the warmth of the north and visiting your grandmother and relaxing with her under a marula tree.
Born in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, Zarcia started her music journey by singing in the church choir when she was nine-years-old. At 13 she landed a role her first professional on “My Girl”, a production staged at the Gold Reef City. She later went on to sing for various gospel and jazz bands. She has recorded and performed with Feya Faku, Andile Yenana, Sidney Mnisi, Dave Koz, The Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, Joyous Celebration, Pastor Benjamin Dube, Patrick Duncan, James Okon, Mpumi Dlamini, amongst others. Zarcia’s charisma, and relaxed demeanour on stage are infectious and make her a well rounded performer.
In Episode One of The Quiet Conversation with Qhakaza Mthemby and Quaz Roodt, Masai Sepuru joins the duo to share his poetry journey and walk us through Black and Blues: A poetry study on the role of Jazz and the impact it had on Apartheid.
We are also introduced to two features on the show, Dissect-A-Poem and The Poem of the Week. In todays episode, Dr Raphael D'Abdon analyses the poem, 'Hip-Hop Ghazal' by Patricia Smith and The Poem if the Week is 'Element' by Belita Andre. Hip-Hop Ghazal By Patricia Smith · Element, a poem by Belita Andre · POET PROFILE: BELITA ANDRE · ABOUT PATRICIA SMITH · Masai Sepuru - Black and Blues: A poetry study on the role of Jazz and the impact it had on Apartheid.
Qhakazambalikayise Mthembu and Quaz Roodt have held down the fort for two extraordinary tribute shows honoring the memory, work, life and legacy of Myesha Jenkins.
Join @Qhakaza and @QuazRoodt from 12PM to 3PM as they continue to Honour celebrated Poet, Activist, Writer, Cultural Worker & spoken word performer, Myesha Jenkins who transitioned on 05th Sept 2020
Myesha Jenkins was the presenter of Jazzuary.fm's Myesha's Memoirs: Living with Jazz and Poetry. Myesha Jenkins, activist, poet and feminist, who died peacefully in her home on 5 September, arrived in South Africa from the US in the heady early days of our new democracy and devoted her life to the empowerment of rural black women, performance poetry, the creation of networks that supported poets, the broadcast of poetry and multiple collaborations between poetry and jazz, one of her greatest loves.
Spha Mdlalose chatting about International Jazz Day, the #lockdown and his upcoming live streaming performance for SBhomestudio @StandardBankArt @StandardBankZA
Special thanks to Saxophonist, flutists extraordinaire Mthunzi Mvubu part member of Shabaka and The Ancestors. Mthunzi Mvubu was born and raised in Daveyton where he started his music career at the age of 14. In his early teens he enrolled for music classes at the Music Academy of Gauteng in Daveyton under the mentorship of Dr. Johnny Mekoa where he studied music theory and piano
Mandla Mlangeni. was raised in Soweto, Johannesburg and a young vibrant graduate of music composition from the University of Cape Town. He is currently writing and performing his music with a band, The Tune and Recreation Committee (TRC), brass band, the Native Groove Collective (NGC), and the newly established Amandla Freedom Ensemble
Thabo “Flo” Makale recites a poem on Gender Based Violence at the Live poetry and Jazz and Tereska Muishond alongside Zoe Molelekwa on piano and Ameishi Ikechi on upright bass Performance poetry is not solely a postmodern phenomenon. It began with the performance of oral poems in pre-literate societies, these poems were transmitted orally from performer to performer and were constructed using devices such as repetition, alliteration, rhyme and kennings to facilitate memorization and recall. The performers composed the poems from memory, using the version they had learned as a kind of mental template
Spha speak to a singer and songwriter Njabulo Seh Nene about the release of this much awaited debut album!
Yamoria is a Johannesburg based collaborative spoken word duo birthed by two South AMfumo Ntlhabane a 21year old performer who is adamant about redesigning the sculpture of black woman in society and her twin sister Fumane Ntlhabane who draws her inspiration from the strength that lays within the human form.frican poets, writers, presenters and radio personalities.In 2018 Yamoria made their debut appearance as presenters on the SABC3 show Ex- Frontiers where they were a part of the team for Season2 of the show and later went on in 2019 to become radio personalities on their own show “The Queens Fortress”. In 2019 Yamoria went on to become coauthors of a book titled “Colour Me Melanin “ which is a coulouring book accompanied by 27 praise poems of cultures a crossed Africa.
Mbuso Khoza is an award winning vocalist and songwriter with a rich, authentic sound. A rare musical talent that rose from the rolling hills of Eshowe in Kwa-Zulu Natal and made sure to take the World Music circuit by storm.
Teboho DiTeboho Kobedi born and raised in the street of Sebokeng. first lay hands on the keys as a member of his local church worship band. whilst singing and arranging for his high school all male vocal ensemble and watching his father play guitar.
Teboho Diteboho Kobedi his arrangement of the timeless Yakhal'inkomo carried him to the semifinals of the Samro overseas scholarship competition in 2017. Today Teboho serves as a junior lecture at every institution where he acquired his BTech qualification in Jazz and popular music
Mjele Msimang is a poet, academic and educator. His poetry explores the the nature of masculinity, the culture of power, and the aesthetics of the sensual. He often competes in slams offering those spaces an alternative in performance style. His work has been published on various platforms
Ofentse Pitse is the first black South African woman to conduct and own an all-black orchestra.Her 40-piece symphony orchestra contributes to shedding light on African composers and propelling young black youth to excellence.
Paul Hanmer is a South African composer, pianist and one of its foremost jazz musicians. Hanmer began classical piano and theory lessons. He enrolled at the University of Cape Town but stayed for a short period then left to work with guitarist Paul Petersen.
Thembeka Tabia Khumalo is an incredible Afropop, Jazz and Soul musician, with a majestic delivery. Zuko caught up with her on the Awakening Of The African Diaspora.
Banda Banda is an Artist, Activist, bandleader and a musician, Spha in conversation with Banda about his debut album, new single had much more
The Arts Lounge joined by arts curator and promoter Aymeric Péguillan to talk about the Jazz on the Hill concert .
Gally Ngoveni is a talent jazz bassist and vocalist that hails from Giyani, Limpopo. Gally has played backing bass for some of the most celebrated artists like Jeff Maluleke, Bholoja, Waje, Femi Koya, Pops Mohamed, Velemsen, Mbuso Khoza, Selaelo Selota and many more
Poets' conversations never go in a straight line: like streams they flow with the rainfall, burst their banks, dry up into simmering silences. The dialogue includes poems, confessions and observations - life and poetry, the sensual, the sexual and revolution, the temple of nature and why we are all welcome there
Gabisile Motuba, popularly known as Gabi Motuba, is a 24 year old jazz vocalist born in Pretoria 1992. She studied at Tshwane University of Technology and completed her studies in 2013. Gabi first became introduced to the notion of music from primary school (Arcadia) where she began to discover her vocal abilities. During her formal studies at the Pretoria High School for Girls, she was exposed to many singing competitions which would influence her in making music a professional career choice. University then became a place to explore her passion and musical taste which led to listening to the likes of Gretchen Parlato, Esperanza Spalding and Concha Buika.
Sibusile Xaba and Spha Mdlose discussing "NGIWU SHABADA" He bought his guitar so who knows what could happen, Sibusile Xaba is a remarkable artist who takes influence from all genres of life. An acomplished guitar player, Sibusile tells stories through his music, sharing the message of peace, love and happiness.
Phindile The SoulProvider Nqana- A Pretoria based Musician, Guitarist, Poet and Music Teacher. A performing artist who has developed her unique sound by incorporating unusual combination of instruments in her performances such as Guitar with Bassoon, Marimba ,Violin and Percussions, Upright Bass and more.
Phindile The SoulProvider Nqanahas performed with her acoustic band at numerous venues and festivals in and around Gauteng. She is also involved in a music enrichment programs as a Music Teacher.
vangile Gantsho is a poet, healer and co-founder of impepho press. Unapologetically a black woman, she has travelled the continent and the globe participating in literary events and festivals. gantsho is the author of two poetry collections, Undressing in front of the window (2015) and red cotton (2018). She holds an MA from the University Currently Known as Rhodes (2016), and was recently named one of Mail & Guardian’s Top Young 200 South Africans of 2018.
Profile Dumza Maswana is a full-time musician, doing Afrosoul music, have one album titlted Iphupha Lam (My Dream). After few years in the industry and many disappointments, He created opportunities for himself, started his own label
Tebogo AusTebza Sedumedi Born in krugersdorp and bred between Mathopestad Boons and Mafikeng Austebza (real name tebogo patience Sedumedi) fell in love with music from childhood. Her parents who used to work at the Suncity resort tell her of how she would perform for strangers and was never shy to entertain rehearsing artists as the super bowl.
Sedica Davids is transitioning from a “closet” to an “out of the closet” poet. In this podcast she speaks about some themes that have popped up in The “Middle life years” as she calls this period. She speaks of a search for pain free menstruation and a yearning for a time when the bleeding stops and gives way to a freedom she calls the “crone” phase. She moves between embracing this time and a feeling of remorse at the physical and hormonal fluxes this meant and the impact this has had on her being. Her writing streams her search for meaning in the moment and her intuitive longing for feminist wisdom
Tshepo has always had a keen interest in composition and arranging from a young age and it is with this newly formed ensemble that he could really try out any new compositions that he had and these were also played during the gigs that the ensemble would attend. In the ninth grade, the National School of the Arts orchestra played his first orchestral composition that also awarded him an opportunity to put together a twelve-piece orchestra to perform at the presidential inaugural awards. After his first encounter as a director of a young orchestra he did not want to turn back
Tshepo Tsotetsi is a young music student who was born from a little town called Benoni, who is currently studying at the University of Pretoria. His musical journey began when he was in the seventh grade; he was ovIt was in this very brass band that he was taught how to play the trumpet, alto horn, euphonium, trombone and tuba. He also took weekly music classes at his primary school and started playing the recorder. His parents acknowledged his passion for music and a year later they enrolled him at the East Rand School of the arts and later the National school of the arts a year later.erwhelmed upon his first encounter with a church brass band in Katlehong.
Frank Meintje Speaking looks at topical issues through the eyes of "Poetry" young people doing amazing things.
Thandi Ntuli chats to composer , guitarist and band leader Vuma Levin about his upcoming album release "Antique Spoons" due to be releases end of February.
Fezokuhle Mtonti is from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. She is a drama graduate who fell into a politics degree which she completed at Rhodes University. Along with being a free lance writer, she currently curated a multi cultural space in Braamfontein called The Forge
PastAbdxll is a 33 year old ar1st, from Eldorado Park, who has been in the music industry for over 25 years. Coming from playing in his father’s church from age 4, the LiFle Drummer Boy has pushed to tour the world with some of the biggest acts in SA as the drummer Jstar. His musical variety holds weight through genres such as hip hop, kwaito, gospel, rnb, rock and everything in between.His whole aura encapsulates music and that is evident in any of his performances.
Sarah Godsell (Wits School of Education) She is a poet and an activist. She has grown up in Johannesburg, and has a deep love for this city, with all it contains and all it makes visible.
Mpumi_MaQ “Born and raised in Pimville. Music collector since in the mid 90's. Better known as Mpumi_MaQ, got heavily influenced into music by his uncle and late father where got exposed to a lot of jazz and soul music. Started collecting music by buying kwaito and hiphop on cassette. Then got exposed to a lot of house music through radio in the late 90's.
Future of Work Disruption lies ahead. Driven by accelerating connectivity, new talent models, and cognitive tools, work is changing. As robotics, AI, the gig economy and crowds grow, jobs are being reinvented, creating the “augmented workforce.
Steve Dyer's 6th album under his own name, is a soundscape of diverse influences to mirror how societies are evolving, and how different cultures, belief systems and peoples have increasingly greater interaction with each other
Osborn Ntimbani (vocals, Lead and acoustic guitar) grew up in Giyani, he developed the love of music from his Dad, who sings and play piano
Osborn Ntimbani (vocals, Lead and acoustic guitar) grew up in Giyani, he developed the love of music from his Dad, who sings and play piano. He started playing in church and some few bands back in 2013-2016 (singing,playing acoustic guitar and composing) after his matric he decided to move to Pretoria city in 2017 to persue his career in music.
VU5UMZ1 prounouced Vusumzi however two lettersare replaced with numbers 5 and 1 just to stand out. Originally hailing in the West of Pretoria in Attridgeville. He soon found the club scene of nearby Trendycity irresistible, and so he tried his hand behind the decks VU5UMZ1 has influences ranging from international to national/local producers, artist,DJ’s and collectors. A graduate in project management and strategic sourcing and supply management. His favourite genre is good music and is not limited to any genre.
Khulile Jiyane Jiyane is a Soweto born Dj. He started learning how to mix on vinyl's in 1999 and played from there played around street bashes and clubs in and around Soweto then later on played in East Rand , played in Bloemfontein, Rustenburg ,Durban, Cape Town and Botswana in 2009 Sai and Jiyane started a podcast called Soulful Kollective Radio show which has a following from all over the world.
Sphelelo Mazibuko is well known for drumming in a blazer, something rare for drummers. He draws his inspiration from international drummer, Kendrick Scott and local drummer Ayanda Sikade, and these are just two of his many inspirations.
Salimah Valiani is a poet, activist and researcher. She has published four collections of poetry. She is also the author of Rethinking Unequal Exchange: the global integration of nursing labour markets (University of Toronto Press: 2012) and editor of The Future of Mining in South Africa: Sunset or Sunrise? (2018).
Luyanda Madope will be celebrating the community and unity he sees amongst musicians Siya Makuzeni Dudu Makhoba Sipho Mabena from Pretoria.
Busisiwe is the winner of the Tshwane Speak Out Loud Youth Poetry Competition 2016/2017 and National Library of South Africa Poetry 2017. Her work is longlisted for the Sol Plaatje European Poetry Award and has been published in New Coin, Kalahari Review, Best ‘New’ African Poets Anthology and Atlanta Review. Her debut collection ‘Surviving Loss’ was published in late 2018 (Impepho Press) and adapted and produced for theatre as part of the South African State Theatre’s incubator programme 2018/2019.
Born in Chicago and raised in Detroit on Stevie wonder, Santana, Parliament Funkadelic and the Philly sound, Alton’s early roots in soul music led to an affinity for clubbing and the perfect storm of music, dance, and skill. Alton along with his like-minded friends Chez admire and George Baker, opened the legendary dance club, the music institute in Detroit in 1988. Since then, Alton has lived in Paris and South Africa, where he pursued his musical creativity process while representing the Detroit vibe.
"A child's place in a revolution" Avant Garde Troupe chats to Luyolo Vumazonke about her Jazz likes and inspiration.
Rikki Stein has been involved in many aspects of the entertainment industry in the UK and Nigeria. He has been employed by record companies as a producer in both France and the United States. He has arranged and presented concerts and tours for countless distinguished artists, performing at prestigious venues throughout the world.
Gifted with a multi-colored, intrepid voice and a talent for writing songs that reflect on the daily life and unique culture of the people of his homeland, Bholoja (Mbongiseni Ngubane) is one of Swaziland's greatest artists. Blending of Southern African traditions, including mbira, sitolotolo, and the traditional drumming styles, has created such a unique sound that is appreciated by audiences of different races.
Kyekyeku, a 'wizard with the guitar' is from a new generation of Ghanaian musicians who makes the distant past meet contemporary idioms of West Africa's big musical heritage.
Lucas Senyatso is a recording artist with an album that was nominated twice for the SAMA's. As an accomplished song writer, producer, bassist, musical director.
Lefa joined the Vusi Mahlasela Music Development Foundation(VMMDF) at the State Theatre in Pretoria 2005 till 2007. At VMMDF Lefa was introduced to the saxophone and instrument he was always fond of but because of lack of necessary finances he couldn't get his hands on but through the foundation he was offered the chance of learning it and he has never looked back ever since.
Lefa showed his versatility to switch from jazz to any genre by doing this with a well respected Reggae band The Azania band and arranging horns for Reggae music.The Azania band is based in Cape Town and has been taking the Reggae community by storm around the world backing prominent Reggae artists and performing on their own on many universal stages.
Thandi speaks to Kwela and Monde of Kwani experience ahead of their Afropunk performance.
Weekly adventures in quietly and brilliantly grooving ark-ival jazz, soul and related sounds and spirits, spanning the planet and recorded history – classics and future classics, dug-for treasures, materials variously recombined and reworked. The quiet (and sometimes not-so quiet), and the brilliant, so-labelled in reference to Ken Quashie’s and Kodwo Eshun’s respective guidebooks for such a sonic journey. The luminaries inevitably feature, meaning names and sounds like Coltrane, Herbie, Stevie, Minnie, Dilla, Dego, but plenty of less-commonly mentioned but just as significant characters, a healthy dose of latin, and African sounds, broken beat for sure, smatterings of gospel, folk, Indian classical, no doubt occasional hip-hop, drum & bass, and new electronic mutations thereof, all wrung through the machinery of electronic music and performed afresh as befitting a present era producing-performing-DJ augmented by the tools of the times.
Guitarist, Composer and Bandleader. Mokopane, Mahwelereng in the Northern Province of South Africa is where Billy Monama was born. From such humble surroundings he inherited a rich musical culture that combined traditional ethnic sounds with those from western jazz styles. Billy Monama also talks about his latest album Rebounce, which plays like his autobiography. It tells of various significant landmarks in his life. It is the very soundtrack that underscores the sentiments of places, people, experiences and influences that have shaped Monama’s Life and Music.
Both electric and acoustic Bass, producer, arranger music director. Bafana Started playing bass from 1993 went for formal Studies at Ochrim school of music in 2005-2008. In the process he started teaching/mentorship. In 2009 he was introduced to mainstream theatre productions like Marikana, Book of Revelation, Protest, Amawethu, uNosilimela and Fat Black Women Sings.
Bafana had an opportunity to work with the likes of Don Laka, Sello Galane, Victor Ntoni, Prince Lengoasa and Toured around the world too. Soon to release his first Offering Project latest in July 2020.
Herbie Tsoaeli bassist , composer, Director of natural music, Herbie Tsoaeli is the 2013 Best Jazz Album South African Music Award winner, for his debut album African Time. Better known as “uMalume” by most of his fans in the South African jazz scene, following his hit “Hamba No Malume” from the African Time album, Herbie’s music is a combination of different elements of South African music, and jazz
Most versatile musician of our current times. Kitchen Mess joined a group called Jazz Cats as a lead singer with a couple of friends. They went on to perform their own music and did song covers over Lounge, Jazz, House and RnB notes. Four years later, being in the group, he decided to go solo with his career crafting out a brand for himself called Kitchen Mess.
Nomzi sings without filters, connecting with her audiences with a melancholic soulful sound and a strikingly earthy vocal identity that is hers. A singer, songwriter, poet and painter of emotions, her neo-soul pop ballads are about love and resilience and about how she is overcoming trauma and addiction.
Weekly adventures in quietly and brilliantly grooving ark-ival jazz, soul and related sounds and spirits, spanning the planet and recorded history – classics and future classics, dug-for treasures, materials variously recombined and reworked. The quiet (and sometimes not-so quiet), and the brilliant, so-labelled in reference to Ken Quashie’s and Kodwo Eshun’s respective guidebooks for such a sonic journey. The luminaries inevitably feature, meaning names and sounds like Coltrane, Herbie, Stevie, Minnie, Dilla, Dego, but plenty of less-commonly mentioned but just as significant characters, a healthy dose of latin, and African sounds, broken beat for sure, smatterings of gospel, folk, Indian classical, no doubt occasional hip-hop, drum & bass, and new electronic mutations thereof, all wrung through the machinery of electronic music and performed afresh as befitting a present era producing-performing-DJ augmented by the tools of the times.
Ayanda has worked with the most accomplished jazz musicians in South Africa and abroad. Namely Feya Faku, Bheki Mseleku, Robbie Jansen, Barney Rachabane, Darius Brubeck just to name a few. Ayanda has worked with the late International acclaimed saxophonist Zim Ngqawana and has recorded two albums with him (Live in Basel Switzerland and Live in Heildiberg in Germany). Ayanda has also worked with Simphiwe Dana and recorded a DvD that is called Siphiwe Dana Live at the Lyric Theatre in 2010.
A born singer, actress, songwriter and businesswoman. Born with a passion for singing, her electric connection with her audiences is supported by the consistently bulging schedule of shows, performances and acting endeavours.
Lyndi Lee's unique and spectacular Alto / Mezzo belting voice comfortably suits and extends her love Jazz, Pop, Soul, Cabaret and Burlesque styles. Lyndi Lee has travelled across the world with her music as she collaborates with as many artists as she can. Places like Dubai, New Orleans, Italy and more.
Belita Andre is a Johannesburg based spoken word artist of Nigerian and Namibian descent. Her writing has been welcomed on the Basha Uhuru Freedom Fest stage. The 21-year-old poet has gone from performing at Something’s Cooking By J- owned by J’Something, to her first-ever introduction to poetry in Johannesburg being the Word N Sound Poetry stage at the age of 17. Many of these building blocks were initiated by the City of Joburg.
Thuto Tshegofatso Lelake is a music enthusiast who grew up in the West of Johannesburg in Kagiso, later resided in Soweto and now frequents between the two. To those that know and follow his art he is affectionately known as Supreme Socialist.
Jessica Laura Marshall better known as “Jess” was born and raised in a small town, west of Johannesburg called Toekomsrus in Randfontein and started singing at the tender age of 8. After having realized her great love and passion for music Jessica then went on to entering both local and national competitions and at the age of 16 she was then chosen to represent the country in the USA after having won an international competition called IMTA in 2014 which is also when her music career then took off. Apart from being a vocalist, Jessica also has other hidden talents such as acting and modelling.
Smoothie T Tlotlo Molefe, better known by his stage name DJ Smoothie T grew up in Ga-Rankuwa, a township located in the North of Pretoria. His love for music was influenced by his father from an early age. At the age of six he was selected to be a member of a school musical group called Dithaga Music Project where he had an opportunity to express himself through various instruments. During that period, Smoothie had already begun collecting music from different genres such as Jazz, Reggae, Soul as well as Pop. In the late 2003, Smoothie T got introduced to the dance scene, where he got the chance to see a DJ spinning to records and mixing them. A spinner by the name of Positive K was the one who Smoothie got his first
Jabu Shoba, a passionate Collector from Pretoria. Started collecting music from the year 2003, ever since he never looked back. In 2015 he started his own movement called Orbit Scale Sessions #OSS which is based in Mamelodi. He says music connects the people.
Weekly adventures in quietly and brilliantly grooving ark-ival jazz, soul and related sounds and spirits, spanning the planet and recorded history – classics and future classics, dug-for treasures, materials variously recombined and reworked. The quiet (and sometimes not-so quiet), and the brilliant, so-labelled in reference to Ken Quashie’s and Kodwo Eshun’s respective guidebooks for such a sonic journey. The luminaries inevitably feature, meaning names and sounds like Coltrane, Herbie, Stevie, Minnie, Dilla, Dego, but plenty of less-commonly mentioned but just as significant characters, a healthy dose of latin, and African sounds, broken beat for sure, smatterings of gospel, folk, Indian classical, no doubt occasional hip-hop, drum & bass, and new electronic mutations thereof, all wrung through the machinery of electronic music and performed afresh as befitting a present era producing-performing-DJ augmented by the tools of the times.
Lulu Prudence Mlangeni is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Mlangeni’s practice incorporates a strong element of texture to the art of movement and has seen her perform on stages across the world. Her recent dance piece, CONFINED, is inspired by the political stalwart, Winnie Madikizela Mandela
Derek Gripper is a guitarist from Cape Town specialising in the kora music of Mali, in particular the music of Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté, transferred onto solo, classical six-string guitar.
Gallly Ngoveni was born in Giyani (Limpopo) and started showing signs and talent at the age of nine. He pursued a musical career as a composer, song writer and singer. He picked up bass as his main instrument and released an album called Swiganga, for which the title track was nominated for MLMF music awards in 2014.
Banda always made a name for himself as a knowledgeable Bass player, worked and toured with top artist like Sibongile Khumalo ,Busi Mhlongo, Madala Kunene, Thandiswa Mazwai to mention the few. WindowSessions founded by Banda Banda, who's passionate about people and the arts, found a niche by creating a showcase situated in informal creative spaces with live audiences. The aim is to inspire, educate, cultivate freedom of expression and recreation on a Sunday, after the week’s sweat and labour. This well-curated experience opens a world where the audience is part of the process of creation while the performers express through Poetry, Music and Spoken Word. Through this open space, audiences realize and identify with the passion while performers are allowed to be free to express and learn performance skills
Luzipho is a trained musician, and creative and musical director. She comes from a musical family; her late grandfather, CB Qwesha, was a musical composer. Luzipho has become a household name in jazz circles across South Africa, having worked with the likes of Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa Mazwai, Gloria Bosman, Siphokazi, Caiphus Semenya, and Loyiso and Zwai Bala, among others.
Neo Joshua Mabena very talented and versatile saxophonist player Neo Joshua Mabena .A master composer and Band leader of the collective named “THE NEO JOOSHUA EXPERIENCE” Mabena is Musically (classic) trained at The Academy of Gauteng through the guidance of the honourable late Dr Jonhny Mekwa.He fondly fell inlove with the rich history and depth of the jazz Genre. Neo Josh is no stranger to Big stages as he has also performed at the Capetown Jazz festival, sharing stages with the Johannesburg Jazz Orchestra.
Avant Garde Troupe hosts Shuya from the Kyoto Jazz Massive, indulging in some Japanese Jazz music and culture
Weekly adventures in quietly and brilliantly grooving ark-ival jazz, soul and related sounds and spirits, spanning the planet and recorded history – classics and future classics, dug-for treasures, materials variously recombined and reworked. The quiet (and sometimes not-so quiet), and the brilliant, so-labelled in reference to Ken Quashie’s and Kodwo Eshun’s respective guidebooks for such a sonic journey. The luminaries inevitably feature, meaning names and sounds like Coltrane, Herbie, Stevie, Minnie, Dilla, Dego, but plenty of less-commonly mentioned but just as significant characters, a healthy dose of latin, and African sounds, broken beat for sure, smatterings of gospel, folk, Indian classical, no doubt occasional hip-hop, drum & bass, and new electronic mutations thereof, all wrung through the machinery of electronic music and performed afresh as befitting a present era producing-performing-DJ augmented by the tools of the times.
Bokani has recorded three jazz albums to critical acclaim. Alongside his jazz career, he also explores various other genres including electronic music. During his training he studied classical paino and played in a salsa band. These various influences have made him aware of the versatility of the piano as an instrument.
L’wei started writing songs at college level and has collaborated with many South African artists both as a writer and session guitarist. He has previously worked with the likes of Shota Mdabe, Dermo from Shana, Hassan Green (US artist), Denim, Bantu Soul, Mabongi Mabaso and Worship House, amongst others. L'wei is also a professional jingle writer for TV and radio, a film music writer, composer and a session musician.
Ailwei Lordwick Netshivhale professionally known as L’wei is a guitarist, music composer, jingle writer and singer. Lwei’s music is derived from Tshivenda indigenous music with African Jazz fused with Gospel and funk music.
Makhosazana Xaba is an anthologist, essayist, short story writer and poet. She has three collections of poetry, these hands (2005 and 2017) Tongues of their Mothers (2008) and is an editor of Like the untouchable wind: an anthology of poems (2016). Makhosazana also wrote on Black South African Women Poets, 2000 – 2018.
Stanky Rammutla a genuine music collector , Dj and generally a lover of music. known to have hosted some of the nicest music events,movements such as deeper Live Friday.
Khumo Mosiane affectionately known to many as Bra Boss, born in the North West, Rustenburg. A founding member of Hotel Rwanda’s Sunday Cookout and The Garages Sessions, A lover of all things musical like many fortunate music enthusiasts his love of music was passed down from his parents. This multifaceted selector is dedicated & a constantly surprising talent
DR.SG is Born and raised in Soweto from the humble streets of pimville. A jazz and all things under the sun coordinator, An extremist with art and music. Co-Founder of Deepsoulja/Deepsoulja Fridays and a podcast Deepsoulja Radio network. Dr.SG is a storyteller through his musical selection
Thuli Majozi is a female Deejay who plays music from all walks of life. She loves music mostly Nu Jazz, African ancestral jazz, spiritual Jazz and Malombo just to mention a few. She is an introvert. She describes the music that she plays as African Jazz. Thuli Majozi as she is formally known considers herself as a versatile entertainer who does not believe in limiting oneself.
Shef and the kitchen joined Zuko on The Awakening of The African Diaspora to talk about their journey, 7-year together, their first album The First Recipe with an exclusive live performance
Shef and the Kitchen, is all the way from the dusty streets of Orange Farm, an Afro jazz funk band with a rich body of work featuring songs with original lyrics that combine isiZulu, Setswana and English.
Weekly adventures in quietly and brilliantly grooving ark-ival jazz, soul and related sounds and spirits, spanning the planet and recorded history – classics and future classics, dug-for treasures, materials variously recombined and reworked. The quiet (and sometimes not-so quiet), and the brilliant, so-labelled in reference to Ken Quashie’s and Kodwo Eshun’s respective guidebooks for such a sonic journey. The luminaries inevitably feature, meaning names and sounds like Coltrane, Herbie, Stevie, Minnie, Dilla, Dego, but plenty of less-commonly mentioned but just as significant characters, a healthy dose of latin, and African sounds, broken beat for sure, smatterings of gospel, folk, Indian classical, no doubt occasional hip-hop, drum & bass, and new electronic mutations thereof, all wrung through the machinery of electronic music and performed afresh as befitting a present era producing-performing-DJ augmented by the tools of the times.
Brenda Mtambo is ready to release new music. She forged a solid career in soul music. After nine years of humble beginnings as a gospel singer, she has grown in stature and fame, and now has a new body of work, which scheduled she released this year, that is totally different from her previous efforts.
World of Words is an intimate poetry session that happens every last Sunday of the month and it aims to cultivate the creative culture within the community where young artists can grow and thrive in their craft.
MIGHTY is one of Cape Town's more prolific vinyl collectors, he simply loves music - all shapes, all sizes, all sounds, all styles
Benedikt Reising was born in the Black Forest in 1978. He grew up playing baroque sonatas on his recorder while listening to German punk music.In his capacity as artistic director of the Jazzwerstatt Bern programme, and as musician, Benedikt has had close contact with South African musicians such as Shane Cooper, Kesivan Naidoo, Kyle Shepherd, Benjamin Jephta, Siya Makuzeni, Mandla Mlangeni and Shannon Mowday to name a few.Reising currently teaches saxophone, organises an international jazz festival and works as a freelance musician
Advocating the colour that music should add to our existence, Zwingy attributes her foray into alternative sounds to her father's influence while growing up in Tembisa. Believing in balance, Zwingy is a chartered accountant by day, advocating for the empowerment of females in finance through AWCA. After hours, Zwingy is a "hotelier" at the Hotel Rwanda Sunday Cookout, a monthly functional collaboration between vinyl collectors/spinners and african cuisine cooked with love.
Weekly adventures in quietly and brilliantly grooving ark-ival jazz, soul and related sounds and spirits, spanning the planet and recorded history – classics and future classics, dug-for treasures, materials variously recombined and reworked. The quiet (and sometimes not-so quiet), and the brilliant, so-labelled in reference to Ken Quashie’s and Kodwo Eshun’s respective guidebooks for such a sonic journey. The luminaries inevitably feature, meaning names and sounds like Coltrane, Herbie, Stevie, Minnie, Dilla, Dego, but plenty of less-commonly mentioned but just as significant characters, a healthy dose of latin, and African sounds, broken beat for sure, smatterings of gospel, folk, Indian classical, no doubt occasional hip-hop, drum & bass, and new electronic mutations thereof, all wrung through the machinery of electronic music and performed afresh as befitting a present era producing-performing-DJ augmented by the tools of the times.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, Tlale Makhene is one of South Africa’s sought after drum beater who moved to Swaziland at a young age and began drumming at the age of four. Highly regarded by musicians and musical fans, he is also a teacher, session musician and performer. His ‘The Ascension Of The Enlightened’ album is a true spiritual offering from a truly enlightened man. His passion for music began when he was young, he was influenced by his sangoma grandmother who often danced and ‘roll the bones’ to drumbeats.
Shane Cooper is a bassist, composer and producer based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is part of the new wave of South African Jazz artists pushing the music forward, and is also known for his work in the electronic/dance music world, as well as commissioned works for films and theatre. Shane Cooper and his new band MABUTA launch their much anticipated debut album Welcome To This World. Recorded in 2017 on funds raised via crowd funding, the band presents a unique body of work combining various influences from jazz to world music, and electronic music.
Sawa blues is the term that Valdo himself has coined for his own music, and at the root of many songs is rhythmic and melodic sensibility that flows from the rich wellspring of timeless Cameroonian folk music, but this base is enriched by a wide range of idioms that are part of the African Diaspora, from Brazilian samba to American soul and jazz. If, on accasion, Muntu Valdo recalls the iconic Tres Pontas troubadour Milton Nascimento that may well be because he has found a way into his world through the motherland roots upon which it stands.
This son of the Makhene dynasty Gontse, has drummed out his own path as an esteemed musician and founding member of some of the most revolutionary contemporary bands, such as Kwani Experience, which was cited as “the most famous unknown band”, L.A.P, Manjik and Shabaka and the Ancestors (SA/UK Based band). The young Makhene has since been the vibrant pulse to many local and international acts/artist across a diverse spectrum of genres such as indie-folk Msaki and the Golden Circle, Afro-folk, Sun Ra Arkestra , Louis Moholo Moholo, Madala Kunene, Salif Keita, Yemi Alade, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Chico Antonio, Ralph Gump, Mulatu Astatke, Herbie Tsoaeli, Steve Dyer, Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana, Hugo Gonzalez Alvarez, Lauren Hill, Shaluza Max Mntambo, to mention a few.
Gontse Makhene is an exceptional percussionist born and breed in Soweto (South Africa), with an extensive repertoire, spanning genres across the local and international music scenes. Makhene was initially introduced to the art scene as an actor and dancer, at a tender age by his late father and renowned South African actor Ramolao Makhene. His passion for music was awakened when he first witnessed his brother and legendary percussionist Tlale Makhene playing. Gontse would later receive his first formal training in percussion and music from his brother.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, Tlale Makhene is one of South Africa’s sought after drum beater who moved to Swaziland at a young age and began drumming at the age of four. Highly regarded by musicians and musical fans, he is also a teacher, session musician and performer. His ‘The Ascension Of The Enlightened’ album is a true spiritual offering from a truly enlightened man. His passion for music began when he was young, he was influenced by his sangoma grandmother who often danced and ‘roll the bones’ to drumbeats
A music fan first, hailing from Kwa-Thema in the Eastern Region of Johannesburg, Tinkla emerged as a spinner (DJ) in the early years of the millennium, 2003 to be exact. Tinkla’s early appearances as Dj where house parties as they were a platform to showcase his craft, obviously house music was like the back track of that era, mainly pumped by commercial radio stations locally and nationwide. Collecting music from House Afrika and SoulCandi Records exposed him to a lot of people in the industry and gave him an extensive outlook of music
My name is Potledi Mabelebele but popularly known as BELLS. I'm based in Johannesburg, but I grew up in Polokwane, Limpopo. I've been a DJ and music collector for over 20 years.I also run a sound production company called Rossants Sounds.