Go Back
Allen Kwela
First Name: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
D.O.D: 
Primary Language: 
Bio
Allen Kwela was a South African musical Luminary, who excelled as a kwela and jazz guitarist, penny whistler, composer, and bandleader. Raised in Durban, he learned music through ingenuity, fashioning a tin guitar. Initially associated with Spokes Mashiyane in Kwela music, he later ventured into jazz. His 2002 album, "The Broken Strings of Allen Kwela," earned award nominations, solidifying his reputation. Kwela became a revered and legendary figure in South African jazz, celebrated for his profound influence on the genre. His musical journey, from cattle herder to a masterful musician, left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and shape the world of South African music.
Discography
Albums2
The Best Of Allen Kwela
The Best Of Allen Kwela2004 • albumTracks: 14
The Broken Strings Of Allen Kwela
The Broken Strings Of Allen Kwela1998 • albumTracks: 9
Label
Record Label associated with Allen Kwela - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Richard Bona
    Richard BonaCameroon |1967| French
    Richard Bona, born Bona Pinder Yayumayalolo in Cameroon, is a Grammy-award winning American musician and jazz bassist. Bona was born into a musical household, which allowed him to begin learning music at a young age, though he didn't start performing professionally until he got Europe. His earliest introduction to and strongest influence to jazz music was late Jaco Pastorius. In 1998, Bona was the Musical Director for Harry Belafonte's European Tour and the following year, he released his debut work.
    Peter King
    Peter KingNigeria |1938| Yoruba
    Peter King Adeyoyin Osubu, commonly known as Peter King, is a renowned Nigerian musician and multi-instrumentalist, celebrated for his skill on the alto saxophone and his unique fusion of Afrobeat and jazz music. While Peter King achieved a cult following in Europe and America, he remained relatively unknown in Nigeria until the release of his record "A Soulful Peter King", which featured his trademark "Miliki Sound" and included popular classics such as "Sincerely", "We Belong Together" and "Just Because".
    Teófilo Chantre
    Teófilo ChantreCape Verde |1964| Portuguese
    Teófilo Chantre is a Cape Verdean singer, arranger, and composer known for his solo and collaborative works with Cesaría Évora. He has also worked with Vitorino Chantre, his father; Bonga, an Angolan singer; Amandio, a composer; and several others. His style blends Brazillian, Cuban influences and elements of jazz and blues with traditional Cape Verdean music.
    Naima Kay
    Naima KaySouth Africa |1991| Zulu
    Lungile Khumalo, known professionally as Naima Kay, is a celebrated Afro-Jazz vocalist from South Africa. Initially discovering her singing and songwriting abilities in her school choir, Lungile's love for jazz propelled her to grace local jazz festivals, captivating audiences with her soul-stirring vocals. Her debut album, Umsebenzi, released in 2013, garnered immense acclaim, culminating in her prestigious win of the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Newcomer in 2014. The eminent record producer Mdu Ngcobo bestowed upon her the name Naima Kay, signifying peace and serenity in Arabic. Naima Kay continues to enthrall listeners with her musical prowess, gracing esteemed national events like the Ugu Jazz Festival and the Durban Jazz Festival.
    Koos Du Plessis / Koos Doep
    Koos Du Plessis / Koos DoepSouth Africa |1945| Afrikaans
    Jacobus Johannes du Plessis, also called Koos Doep, was a renowned singer-songwriter and poet celebrated for his evocative and socially-conscious lyrics that reflected the South African reality during the apartheid era. He began his music career in the early 1970s and quickly gained popularity for his emotive performances and lyrical depth. Du Plessis wrote songs in both Afrikaans and English, addressing political and social issues, reflecting the turbulent times in South Africa. His most famous song "Kinders van die Wind," recorded by Laurika Rauch, became a South African anthem, capturing the yearning and hardships of the people during apartheid. Du Plessis passed away at 38 on January 15, 1984, but his legacy continues to inspire many artists and fans in South Africa.
    Babtunde Olatunji
    Babtunde OlatunjiNigeria |1927| English
    Michael Babatunde Olatunji, was a renowned Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist. He gained fame after performing with the 66-piece Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, which led to him being signed by the Columbia Records in 1957. Two years later, he released his first of six records on the Columbia label, titled "Drums of Passion", which became a massive hit and introduced many Americans to world music. Olatunji released several hit songs and collaborated with many prominent musician.
    Dahmane El Harrachi
    Dahmane El HarrachiAlgeria |1926| Arabic
    Dahmane El Harrachi, born Abderrahmane Amrani, was a renowned Algerian Chaâbi singer of Chaoui heritage. Infusing the genre with a modern flair, he became a key figure in Algerian music. His heartfelt songs spoke to the struggles of immigrants and the yearning for one's homeland, resonating deeply with audiences. Composing over 500 songs, El Harrachi showcased his unique perspective and lyrical talent. His influence reached beyond Algeria, inspiring a generation of French raï artists like Rachid Taha. Sadly, his life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 1980. In 2009, his son Kamel El Harrachi paid tribute with the release of the album "Ghana Fenou," ensuring that Dahmane El Harrachi's contributions to Chaâbi and Algerian music heritage would be cherished for generations.
    Fela Kuti
    Fela KutiNigeria |1938| English
    Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a renowned Nigerian musician and activist who pioneered Afrobeat. He founded "Africa '70" and used his music fearlessly to confront Nigeria's corrupt government and advocate for social justice. Fela's music sparked both acclaim and controversy, solidifying his status as a cherished cultural figure in Nigeria. His powerful musical legacy transcended borders, inspiring movements and earning him numerous posthumous accolades and recognition.
    Zacks Nkosi
    Zacks NkosiSouth Africa |1918| English
    Isaac Zacks Nkosi, known as "Bra Zacks," was a South African band leader, composer, and saxophonist known for his contributions to the golden age of African Jazz in the 1950s and 1960s. Bra Zacks began his music career in his childhood, learning piano, organ, accordion, violin, and clarinet. He played professionally with some local bands before leading his own bands, including the Zig Zag Zacks Band, and recorded dozens of sides for the HMV and Columbia labels.