Untitled Document


DISC 1 \| DISC 2 \| Compiled By 1. Nkwanyana – “Thwasa” [album : Thwasa - SonyBMG] [Mahoyana Nkwanyana – SonyBMG / Khangula Music - Mathambo Music] www.khangula.co.za // www.sonybmg.com maria.kounelakis@sonybmg.com Mahoyana Nkwanyana comes from the hills of Kwa-zulu Natal - the heartland of Maskandi music, the Zulu guitar style of which he is an acknowledged master. He is fluent in both the Zulu traditional and “Shameni” styles, which originate from different geographical areas of the region; and are set apart not only by their rhythmic and melodic differences, but by their completely different tunings. 2. Thabang Tabane & Mabi Thobejane – “Thokgo” [album: Africa – Melt 2000] [M.Thobejane / Melt 2000] www.melt.co.za robert@melt.co.za Two of the country’s best come together in this powerful collaboration – both natural-born drummers, they’re also bound by blood. Mabi Gabriel Thobejane is the uncle - an undisputed giant of South African sound, who first made his mark in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, as part of groundbreaking bands such as Malombo and Sakhile. Known for the potency of his ‘live’ performances, he has worked with the finest from home and afar. He’s a master collaborator, who crosses genres with ease, applying equal intensity to any encounter - whether drawing from the depths of tradition, or cutting across various ethnicities into jazz, electro, house or trance - Mabi makes magic! His nephew is Thabang Tabane - son of the legendary Dr Philip Tabane, founder of the famed Malombo music. Having learnt to play drums by watching his uncle Mabi in the 60's, he began touring internationally with his father’s band at an early age. Through their blending of beats, bridges are created - cutting across generations with the power of sound and spirit! 3. Herman Fox Manganyi – ‘Nitasala Namani” [album: Herman Fox Manganyi – Bokone Music] [Herman Fox Manganyi – Kabelo Songs] kamogelofox@mweb.co.za kamogelofox@webmail.co.za With a career spanning over three and a half decades, this multi-skilled, self taught instrumentalist is no newcomer to the South African scene. He’s a musician’s musician, a self-confessed ‘teacher and student of life’, with a profound story that reflects the value he’s added to the industry since he first recorded at the age of nineteen in 1973. While the values of his contributions are still to be counted; he certainly deserves to be praised as a living legend. With a melodic style that’s both deeply and sweetly sensitive, he interplays innocence with wisdom; weaving spirituality into social commentary, while adding lightness and allowing humour to seep into a sound that has to be heard! 4. C`YA – “Masibathandazleni”[album: Nalu Thando - TSS Productions] [C’YA Mkefa - TSS Productions] nkulit@webmail.co.za The accomplishments of this young artist, both at home and abroad, have clearly provided a solid foundation, from which his career is sure to soar. He started as the son of a preacher who loved to sing; then studying under Gibson Kente, the acclaimed playwright and ‘father of South African theatre’, he was taught the skills of performance and the pitfalls of an unforgiving industry. In Australia he was part of “The Lion King” cast; and after returning home, he joined the multiple award-winning gospel group, Joyous Celebration. This powerful debut reflects CÝA’s refreshing approach to South African praise music – it’s a unique sound he describes as ‘spiritual jazz’; and he sings with a voice so distinct, it’s unforgettable! 5. Pops Mohamed – “Love is the Answer” [album: Healing Sounds of Mother Africa – African Cream Music] [Pops Mohamed – Kalamazoo Music] www.africancreammusic.co.za www.sheer.co.za kalamazoo@yebo.co.za Pops Mohamed is well respected internationally - he’s a multi instrumentalist, composer, producer, educator and musical explorer– with a Pan-African, yet distinctly South African, World Music sound. As a specialist in indigenous instruments, he’s dedicated to researching, recording and reinventing traditional sounds – keeping them alive by making them accessible to a contemporary audience. With integrity and openness, he’s a master collaborator who transcends boundaries, finding commonality as he crosses vast musical expanses. Whether working with longtime companions, as found on his ongoing projects, such as the Kalamazoo series; or with the Khoisan in the Kalahari desert; or perhaps as ‘The Futcharist’ [an alias he uses for his electro-ethnic explorations young dance producers], or even with Andreas Vollenweider - Pops Mohamed eloquently brings the past into the present, making eternal music for a better future. 6. Grassroots – “One Fine Day”[album: African Moods – Caveman Music] [D.Reynolds / L.Mhlanga – Caveman Music / Shumba Publ.] davemanreynolds@gmail.com . Seeded as a series of magic jams, this collaboration began with three versatile artists - South Africa’s own steelpan-man Dave Reynolds, the late bassist Gito Baloi and flute/ saxophone-player Chris Tokalon. As the first few tunes emerged, so did a whole new sound – and organically it grew to include more of Africa’s finest, like [amongst others] the acclaimed guitarist Louis Mhlanga, the soulful bassist Concord Nkabinde and the talented trombonist Siya Makuzeni – all who also added vocals on this track. The strength of the artists is found across this album of seemingly effortless improvisations - embracing everything from ancestral to contemporary elements, they create innovative landscapes, which bear the soulful sound of natural synergy. 7. Mavo Solomon - “Mamelani!(listen!)” [album: iSiGiDiMi – Maverick Sounds] [M.Solomon / E.Paliani – Maverick Sounds] mavo@maveriksounds.com Ever since Mavo’s musical skills were sparked by his father, a self-taught guitarist, he has continued exploring and expanding his talent. With his inherent love of music, he went to university – but instead, he studied sciences, and qualified with a string of degrees, including BSc Maths and Physics, Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering. Then, to repay his studies, he spent 8 years working for Eskom, before doing a brief stint as a corporate energy investment specialist. But he could no longer ignore the call, so he took the leap, and in 2006, began his musical mission. Carrying his passion and conviction, he started with his songwriting skills, approaching artists along a path that eventually led through Hugh Masekela, to a talented young producer, Erik Paliani. Seeing more than the ‘songwriter’, Eric insisted he was an artist, and they started recording his debut, iSiGiDiMi. With their creative chemistry confirmed, they released the album and simultaneously launched Maverick Records, their independent label. 8.Strings ‘n Skins - “Oppikoppi” [album: Passage in Time – Strings ‘n Skins Music ] [G.Georgiades – Sheer Publ.] www.stringsnskins.com Greg Hadjiyorki Georgiades and Ashish Joshi are both highly accomplished South African musicians. With careers independent of each other, they each have their own sideline projects, but together they are Strings ‘n Skins - a dynamic acoustic duo that intertwines North African and South African improvisational styles in an Afro-Asian blend of hybrid beats. Greg plays the North African Oud, Bouzouki and nylon string Flamenco Guitar; with Ashish playing percussion on the Tabla & Dhol, from India; the Egyptian Darbukah and African Djembe Using these traditional instruments they conjure up an exotic blend of ethno grooves, bound by vibrant melodies - rhythmical interpretations that are at the same time intricate and energetic, fierce and delicate. 9.Sharon Dee - “Uban’ insizwa” [album: Ekhya - Gallo] [H.C.Dlamini / E.Paliani / M.Ncube – Gallo Music / Universal Music/ Mind Music] utingote@vodamail.co.za www.gallomusicsouthafrica.co.za In the 90’s, the young Sharon Dee had a huge hit and became a household name overnight. But instead of following the pop route predicted for her, she pursued another path - led by her love for gospel, she joined the multi-award winning Gospel group Joyous Celebration. She then immigrated to the UK where she studied and performed, and after six years she returned and released a powerful album. It seems she went far to find what was close, because for the first time she adds indigenous languages to her usually English repertoire, reflecting her African roots with a voice more refined than ever. 10.Tony Cox – “Major Mynah” [album: Blue Anthem – Sheer Sound] [Tony Cox – Sheer Sound] www.tonycox.co.za www.sheer.co.za Zimbabwean-born, Tony Cox is one of the country’s most respected acoustic guitarists - a multiple award-winning artist, with a string of solo releases, he’s also a teacher, composer, collaborator and a powerful performer, who tours prolifically. Having made South Africa home, it's here he’s cemented his career; but it all began in a backwater town in what was then Rhodesia, when at the age of nine he began playing - the Hawaiian guitar! Over the years he has studied, absorbed and explored multiple guitar styles, assimilating them with astounding adeptness into a unique World fusion. With colourful sounds, he creates musical canvases of an international caliber; while always depicting the distinctive drama and intensity the African landscape. 11.Zamajobe - “Sicela Umoya” [album: Ndoni Yamanzi - SonyBMG] [Z. Sithole / E.Paliani – 2008 Universal Music Publ.] maria.kounelakis@sonybmg.com www.sonybmg.com www.zamajobe.co.za Zamajobe Sithole came to public attention when she made it through to the Top 10 of South African Idols in 2003. Her exposure, through this competition is much appreciated as is the fact that it served as an unofficial crash course into performance; and equipped her with a deeper insight into the industry. But it’s probably best she didn’t win - for it’s likely she would have had to forfeit her musical freedom. And it’s precisely the soulful, sensitivity that makes her so special that may have been stifled. 12. 340ml - “The Untitled Song” [album: Sorry For The Delay – Sheer Sound] [P. Da Silva Pinto / T. Correia Paulo / R.Soeiro/ P.Chibanga – 340ml Publ.] ww .340ml.com www.sheer.co.za Coming from Mozambique, the four members of this group settled in Johannesburg some years back, and formed 340ml. As band they’ve worked hard, but they’ve also clearly had fun, and coupled with their coastal charm, admirable commitment and unique edge – they’ve made it! They started with an underground edge, and without compromise, they’ve stuck to it, - but they’ve polished their sound and in a short space of time, created a strong fan base, solidified by their first release in 2003. A string of sterling performances have also strengthened their standing and their brand new album proves that it’s time the world a tasted this fresh, funky, exotic-dub blend of urban-African folk – here’s a sip of 340ml! 13.Peggy - “Masechaba” [album: Peggy – Lolhiphop Records] [P.Matseke / Nde Ndifonka – Lolhiphop Records / Sheer Publ.] wax@waxexperience.com During a chance encounter in 2004, Peggy Matseke approached the Tsonga star Jeff Maluleke, and on the spur of the moment, offered to be his back-up singer. Hearing her voice, he decided she was worth more, and immediately set about producing her debut. From this first studio attempt, came an album and a hit that propelled this singer from a little-known church choir in a small township, to great African stages. For her second, self-titled album, Peggy joined forces with Cameroonian-born artist and record executive, Wax aka Nde Ndifonka. 14.Norman Chauke - “Hosi Ngala” [album: Jazz ‘Dikas’ - Gallo] [Norman Chauke – DYR Music] www.gallomusicsouthafrica.co.za Norman Chauke is a pianist who has pioneered a distinct sound – an accessible jazz form, that brings together the raw appeal of his Shangaan roots, with the polish of a formal training; which at the same time, remains specific to the Pretoria region where he lives. In the 80’s and 90’s he earned a living doing sessions for pop artists of the Bubblegum era. But at he same time he was studying classical piano with London’s Trinity College of Music- through correspondence! Jazz Dikas is his long-awaited debut album. 15.Tlokwe Sehume - “Vusiwana (Poverty)” [album: Serunya – Medu Records] [Tlokwe Sehume - Medu Records :admin: Sheer Publ.] www.medurecords.co.za www.medupromotions.co.za www.sheerpublishing.co.za Tlokwe Sehume is man of many media - a visual artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, band leader, choreographer, cultural activist, musicologist and a visionary. His first group Medu, was formed in 1985. Essentially a live band, it incorporates different musical genres, and focuses on visually appealing performances, with African dance as an integral element. Dinaka, a style originating from the Sepedi people was the first to be incorporated. As a group, Medu still exists, but the concept has also expanded into a long-term project called Medu-Nakeng. Aiming to homogenize and preserve the music and cultures of different ethnic groupings of South Africa, these profound performances grow each year. Tlokwe’s fans named his sound: “Mmino wa thaba (Music of the mountains), while he describes it as: “music of the day before yesterday for a people of the day after tomorrow”. 16.Camagwini - “Iqhawe” [album: Zivile – Native Rhythms Records] [Sipho Sithole - Native Rhythms Publ. / Gallo Music Publ.] www.nativerhythms.co.za Camagwini is a young Xhosa vocalist, considered by some as this year’s newcomer to the ethno-soul sister brigade. While at school, she was kicked out of the choir, and a teacher told her to ‘forget about singing’, because of the strangeness of her voice. But unperturbed, she’s followed her dream, believing that her music is simply a continuation of ancient Xhosa oral traditions. “I don’t believe in music for music’s sake,” she says, adding that her quest is “to make music that will speak to the soul and preserve our culture for future generations”. With a strong identity and distinctive presence, she presents her sound as if she’s a spirit medium for the ancestors. 16.Keith Ramaila – “Ungene Ka Njane” [album: Mama – Khula Records] [Keith Ramaila – Khula Records : admin: Sheer Publ.] karabo@thecooler.co.za Born in Ga-Sekororo in the Limpopo Province, Keith discovered his love for music early in life and by ten, he was studying piano and singing in the church choir. He performed as a solo artist in his region before bringing his demo to Johannesburg in 2003, hoping to take his career to the next level. As a newcomer, he was fortunate to get gigs, and further inspired by the encouragement he received from Vusi Mahlasela, he found a record company who set about recording and releasing his debut.

DISC 1 | DISC 2 | Compiled By

1. Nkwanyana – “Thwasa” [album : Thwasa - SonyBMG]
[Mahoyana Nkwanyana – SonyBMG / Khangula Music - Mathambo Music]
www.khangula.co.za // www.sonybmg.com
maria.kounelakis@sonybmg.com

Mahoyana Nkwanyana comes from the hills of Kwa-zulu Natal - the heartland of Maskandi music, the Zulu guitar style of which he is an acknowledged master. He is fluent in both the Zulu traditional and “Shameni” styles, which originate from different geographical areas of the region; and are set apart not only by their rhythmic and melodic differences, but by their completely different tunings.

2. Thabang Tabane & Mabi Thobejane – “Thokgo” [album: Africa – Melt 2000]
[M.Thobejane / Melt 2000]
www.melt.co.za
robert@melt.co.za

Two of the country’s best come together in this powerful collaboration – both
natural-born drummers, they’re also bound by blood.

Mabi Gabriel Thobejane is the uncle - an undisputed giant of South African sound, who first made his mark in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, as part of groundbreaking bands such as Malombo and Sakhile.

Known for the potency of his ‘live’ performances, he has worked with the finest from home and afar. He’s a master collaborator, who crosses genres with ease, applying equal intensity to any encounter - whether drawing from the depths of tradition, or cutting across various ethnicities into jazz, electro, house or trance - Mabi makes magic!

His nephew is Thabang Tabane - son of the legendary Dr Philip Tabane, founder of the famed Malombo music. Having learnt to play drums by watching his uncle Mabi in the 60's, he began touring internationally with his father’s band at an early age.

Through their blending of beats, bridges are created - cutting across generations with the power of sound and spirit!

3. Herman Fox Manganyi – ‘Nitasala Namani” [album: Herman Fox
Manganyi – Bokone Music]
[Herman Fox Manganyi – Kabelo Songs]
kamogelofox@mweb.co.za kamogelofox@webmail.co.za

With a career spanning over three and a half decades, this multi-skilled, self taught instrumentalist is no newcomer to the South African scene. He’s a musician’s musician, a self-confessed ‘teacher and student of life’, with a profound story that reflects the value he’s added to the industry since he first recorded at the age of nineteen in 1973.

While the values of his contributions are still to be counted; he certainly deserves to be praised as a living legend.

With a melodic style that’s both deeply and sweetly sensitive, he interplays innocence with wisdom; weaving spirituality into social commentary, while adding lightness and allowing humour to seep into a sound that has to be heard!

4. C`YA – “Masibathandazleni”[album: Nalu Thando - TSS Productions]
[C’YA Mkefa - TSS Productions]
nkulit@webmail.co.za

The accomplishments of this young artist, both at home and abroad, have clearly provided a solid foundation, from which his career is sure to soar.

He started as the son of a preacher who loved to sing; then studying under Gibson Kente, the acclaimed playwright and ‘father of South African theatre’, he was taught the skills of performance and the pitfalls of an unforgiving industry.

In Australia he was part of “The Lion King” cast; and after returning home, he joined the multiple award-winning gospel group, Joyous Celebration.

This powerful debut reflects CÝA’s refreshing approach to South African praise music – it’s a unique sound he describes as ‘spiritual jazz’; and he sings with a voice so distinct, it’s unforgettable!

5. Pops Mohamed – “Love is the Answer” [album: Healing Sounds of Mother Africa – African Cream Music]
[Pops Mohamed – Kalamazoo Music]
www.africancreammusic.co.za www.sheer.co.za
kalamazoo@yebo.co.za

Pops Mohamed is well respected internationally - he’s a multi instrumentalist, composer, producer, educator and musical explorer– with a Pan-African, yet distinctly South African, World Music sound.

As a specialist in indigenous instruments, he’s dedicated to researching, recording and reinventing traditional sounds – keeping them alive by making them accessible to a contemporary audience.

With integrity and openness, he’s a master collaborator who transcends boundaries, finding commonality as he crosses vast musical expanses.

Whether working with longtime companions, as found on his ongoing projects, such as the Kalamazoo series; or with the Khoisan in the Kalahari desert; or perhaps as ‘The Futcharist’ [an alias he uses for his electro-ethnic explorations young dance producers], or even with Andreas Vollenweider - Pops Mohamed eloquently brings the past into the present, making eternal music for a better future.

6. Grassroots – “One Fine Day”[album: African Moods – Caveman Music]
[D.Reynolds / L.Mhlanga – Caveman Music / Shumba Publ.]
davemanreynolds@gmail.com
.
Seeded as a series of magic jams, this collaboration began with three versatile artists - South Africa’s own steelpan-man Dave Reynolds, the late bassist Gito Baloi and flute/ saxophone-player Chris Tokalon.

As the first few tunes emerged, so did a whole new sound – and organically it grew to include more of Africa’s finest, like [amongst others] the acclaimed guitarist Louis Mhlanga, the soulful bassist Concord Nkabinde and the talented trombonist Siya Makuzeni – all who also added vocals on this track.

The strength of the artists is found across this album of seemingly effortless improvisations - embracing everything from ancestral to contemporary elements, they create innovative landscapes, which bear the soulful sound of natural synergy.

7. Mavo Solomon - “Mamelani!(listen!)” [album: iSiGiDiMi –
Maverick Sounds]
[M.Solomon / E.Paliani – Maverick Sounds]
mavo@maveriksounds.com

Ever since Mavo’s musical skills were sparked by his father, a self-taught guitarist, he has continued exploring and expanding his talent.

With his inherent love of music, he went to university – but instead, he studied sciences, and qualified with a string of degrees, including BSc Maths and Physics, Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering.

Then, to repay his studies, he spent 8 years working for Eskom, before doing a brief stint as a corporate energy investment specialist. But he could no longer ignore the call, so
he took the leap, and in 2006, began his musical mission. Carrying his passion and conviction, he started with his songwriting skills, approaching artists along a path that eventually led through Hugh Masekela, to a talented young producer, Erik Paliani.

Seeing more than the ‘songwriter’, Eric insisted he was an artist, and they started recording his debut, iSiGiDiMi. With their creative chemistry confirmed, they released the album and simultaneously launched Maverick Records, their independent label.

8.Strings ‘n Skins - “Oppikoppi” [album: Passage in Time –
Strings ‘n Skins Music ]
[G.Georgiades – Sheer Publ.]
www.stringsnskins.com

Greg Hadjiyorki Georgiades and Ashish Joshi are both highly accomplished South African musicians. With careers independent of each other, they each have their own sideline projects, but together they are Strings ‘n Skins - a dynamic acoustic duo that intertwines North African and South African improvisational styles in an Afro-Asian blend of hybrid beats.

Greg plays the North African Oud, Bouzouki and nylon string Flamenco Guitar; with Ashish playing percussion on the Tabla & Dhol, from India; the Egyptian Darbukah and African Djembe

Using these traditional instruments they conjure up an exotic blend of ethno grooves, bound by vibrant melodies - rhythmical interpretations that are at the same time intricate and energetic, fierce and delicate.

9.Sharon Dee - “Uban’ insizwa” [album: Ekhya - Gallo]
[H.C.Dlamini / E.Paliani / M.Ncube – Gallo Music / Universal Music/ Mind Music]
utingote@vodamail.co.za
www.gallomusicsouthafrica.co.za

In the 90’s, the young Sharon Dee had a huge hit and became a household name overnight. But instead of following the pop route predicted for her, she pursued another path - led by her love for gospel, she joined the multi-award winning Gospel group Joyous Celebration.

She then immigrated to the UK where she studied and performed, and after six years she returned and released a powerful album.

It seems she went far to find what was close, because for the first time she adds indigenous languages to her usually English repertoire, reflecting her African roots with a voice more refined than ever.

10.Tony Cox – “Major Mynah” [album: Blue Anthem – Sheer Sound]
[Tony Cox – Sheer Sound]
www.tonycox.co.za www.sheer.co.za

Zimbabwean-born, Tony Cox is one of the country’s most respected acoustic guitarists - a multiple award-winning artist, with a string of solo releases, he’s also a teacher, composer, collaborator and a powerful performer, who tours prolifically.

Having made South Africa home, it's here he’s cemented his career; but it all began in a backwater town in what was then Rhodesia, when at the age of nine he began playing - the Hawaiian guitar!

Over the years he has studied, absorbed and explored multiple guitar styles, assimilating them with astounding adeptness into a unique World fusion. With colourful sounds, he creates musical canvases of an international caliber; while always depicting the distinctive drama and intensity the African landscape.

11.Zamajobe - “Sicela Umoya” [album: Ndoni Yamanzi - SonyBMG]
[Z. Sithole / E.Paliani – 2008 Universal Music Publ.]
maria.kounelakis@sonybmg.com
www.sonybmg.com www.zamajobe.co.za

Zamajobe Sithole came to public attention when she made it through to the Top 10 of South African Idols in 2003. Her exposure, through this competition is much appreciated as is the fact that it served as an unofficial crash course into performance; and equipped her with a deeper insight into the industry.

But it’s probably best she didn’t win - for it’s likely she would have had to forfeit her musical freedom. And it’s precisely the soulful, sensitivity that makes her so special that may have been stifled.

12. 340ml - “The Untitled Song” [album: Sorry For The Delay – Sheer Sound]
[P. Da Silva Pinto / T. Correia Paulo / R.Soeiro/ P.Chibanga – 340ml Publ.]
ww .340ml.com www.sheer.co.za

Coming from Mozambique, the four members of this group settled in Johannesburg some years back, and formed 340ml. As band they’ve worked hard, but they’ve also clearly had fun, and coupled with their coastal charm, admirable commitment and unique edge – they’ve made it!

They started with an underground edge, and without compromise, they’ve stuck to it, - but they’ve polished their sound and in a short space of time, created a strong fan base, solidified by their first release in 2003. A string of sterling performances have also strengthened their standing and their brand new album proves that it’s time the world a tasted this fresh, funky, exotic-dub blend of urban-African folk – here’s a sip of 340ml!

13.Peggy - “Masechaba” [album: Peggy – Lolhiphop Records]
[P.Matseke / Nde Ndifonka – Lolhiphop Records / Sheer Publ.]
wax@waxexperience.com

During a chance encounter in 2004, Peggy Matseke approached the Tsonga star Jeff Maluleke, and on the spur of the moment, offered to be his back-up singer. Hearing her voice, he decided she was worth more, and immediately set about producing her debut. From this first studio attempt, came an album and a hit that propelled this singer from a little-known church choir in a small township, to great African stages.

For her second, self-titled album, Peggy joined forces with Cameroonian-born artist and record executive, Wax aka Nde Ndifonka.

14.Norman Chauke - “Hosi Ngala” [album: Jazz ‘Dikas’ - Gallo]
[Norman Chauke – DYR Music]
www.gallomusicsouthafrica.co.za

Norman Chauke is a pianist who has pioneered a distinct sound – an accessible jazz form, that brings together the raw appeal of his Shangaan roots, with the polish of a formal training; which at the same time, remains specific to the Pretoria region where he lives.

In the 80’s and 90’s he earned a living doing sessions for pop artists of the Bubblegum era. But at he same time he was studying classical piano with London’s Trinity College of Music- through correspondence!

Jazz Dikas is his long-awaited debut album.

15.Tlokwe Sehume - “Vusiwana (Poverty)” [album: Serunya – Medu Records]
[Tlokwe Sehume - Medu Records :admin: Sheer Publ.]
www.medurecords.co.za www.medupromotions.co.za
www.sheerpublishing.co.za

Tlokwe Sehume is man of many media - a visual artist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, band leader, choreographer, cultural activist, musicologist and a visionary.

His first group Medu, was formed in 1985. Essentially a live band, it incorporates different musical genres, and focuses on visually appealing performances, with African dance as an integral element. Dinaka, a style originating from the Sepedi people was the first to be incorporated.

As a group, Medu still exists, but the concept has also expanded into a long-term project called Medu-Nakeng. Aiming to homogenize and preserve the music and cultures of different ethnic groupings of South Africa, these profound performances grow each year.

Tlokwe’s fans named his sound: “Mmino wa thaba (Music of the mountains), while he describes it as: “music of the day before yesterday for a people of the day after tomorrow”.

16.Camagwini - “Iqhawe” [album: Zivile – Native Rhythms Records]
[Sipho Sithole - Native Rhythms Publ. / Gallo Music Publ.]
www.nativerhythms.co.za

Camagwini is a young Xhosa vocalist, considered by some as this year’s newcomer to the ethno-soul sister brigade.

While at school, she was kicked out of the choir, and a teacher told her to ‘forget about singing’, because of the strangeness of her voice. But unperturbed, she’s followed her dream, believing that her music is simply a continuation of ancient Xhosa oral traditions.

“I don’t believe in music for music’s sake,” she says, adding that her quest is “to make music that will speak to the soul and preserve our culture for future generations”.

With a strong identity and distinctive presence, she presents her sound as if she’s a spirit medium for the ancestors.

16.Keith Ramaila – “Ungene Ka Njane” [album: Mama – Khula Records]
[Keith Ramaila – Khula Records : admin: Sheer Publ.]
karabo@thecooler.co.za

Born in Ga-Sekororo in the Limpopo Province, Keith discovered his love for music early in life and by ten, he was studying piano and singing in the church choir.

He performed as a solo artist in his region before bringing his demo to Johannesburg in 2003, hoping to take his career to the next level.

As a newcomer, he was fortunate to get gigs, and further inspired by the encouragement he received from Vusi Mahlasela, he found a record company who set about recording and releasing his debut.