Louis MhlangaZimbabwe |1956| ShonaLouis Mhlanga, the renowned Zimbabwean guitarist and producer, has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional musical talent. Now based in South Africa, Mhlanga's career spans decades. His versatility as a musician shines through as he effortlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements in his compositions. Collaborating with esteemed artists like Orchestra Baobab, Mhlanga has released several albums, each showcasing his unique musical style. His infectious melodies and rhythmic grooves have garnered him a devoted fan base, with tracks like "The Happy Song" and "Hona Ka Beira" becoming fan favorites. He has earned several accolades for his remarkable guitar skills. With a rich discography and a global presence, Louis Mhlanga continues to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
Sipho GumedeSouth Africa |1952| EnglishSipho Gumede was a prominent South African jazz bass guitarist, born in 1949 in Cato Manor, Durban After beginning his career as a session musician in the 1970s, Gumede went on to establish himself as a successful solo artist and bandleader in the 1980s, releasing several acclaimed albums that fused traditional South African rhythms with jazz and other contemporary styles. Throughout his career, Gumede was a passionate social and political activist who used his music to draw attention to important issues such as apartheid and poverty. He collaborated with many other musicians and played a key role in the development of the South African jazz scene, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. He passed away in 2004.
Mulatu AstatkeEthiopia |1943| EnglishMulatu Astatke, often known as the "father of Ethio-Jazz," is a composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader born in Jimma, Ethiopia. He holds an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. The reissue of his hit tracks in the 1998 collection "Éthiopiques Volume 4: Ethio Jazz & Instrumental Music, 1969-1974" marked his massive global debut. Since then, he has continued to be recognized as a top-rated jazz musician in the industry.
Paa KowGhana |1974| EnglishPaa Kow (pronounced Pa-ko) is a Ghanaian drummer and composer known for his unique Afro-Fusion sound that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz and roots music. Dubbed "Ghana's most artistic drummer" by Modern Ghana, he has toured internationally and shared stages with African and American luminaries. Paa Kow plays a custom, hand-carved, traditionally inspired Ghanaian drum set that is the only one of its kind in the world. He aims to spread the music and culture of his homeland through his Afro-Fusion Orchestra.
Abdullah Ibrahim Fka Dollar BrandSouth Africa |1934| EnglishAbdullah Ibrahim, born Adolph Johannes Brand, is a highly esteemed South African pianist, composer, and bandleader. He began playing piano at the age of seven and made his professional debut at the age of fifteen, quickly becoming one of the leading jazz musicians in South Africa. His career saw collaborations with notable musicians, including the Jazz Epistles, and later, international recognition. In 1965, he moved to New York, where he performed at prestigious venues and became deeply engaged with the global jazz community. In 1990, Mandela invited him back to South Africa, marking a significant return. Ibrahim's illustrious career includes collaborations, film scores, documentaries, and many recognition and awards. He continues to tour, educate, and innovate in music, leaving an enduring legacy.
Johnny DyaniSouth Africa |1945| EnglishJohnny Dyani was a South African jazz musician and freedom fighter who defied apartheid's oppression through his music and activism. His music was a distinct double-bass combination of traditional African rhythms with American jazz. He began his musical journey with the Blue Notes, an influential multiracial jazz band in South Africa, before going into exile in Europe in the early 1960s. Dyani's activism complemented his artistry, as he vocally supported the anti-apartheid movement. His music conveyed powerful messages about freedom and human rights, notably in albums like "Witchdoctor's Son." Though he passed away at 40 in 1986, his legacy endures, serving as a reminder of the transformative potential of music and the enduring fight for justice.
Joseph TawadrosEgypt |1983| ArabicJoseph Tawadros AM, an Egyptian-born Coptic Australian artist, is a remarkable composer, accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and virtuoso of the oud. His musical journey began at the tender age of 8. Tawadros has a sound foundation in classical music, earning a bachelor of music degree from the University of New South Wales and a Freedman Fellowship for Classical Music. Notably, he is the first and sole Australian composer in the esteemed Academy of Ancient Music to perform work in the United Kingdom. He has four ARIA awards to his name and is renowned for seamlessly navigating across genres and numerous collaborations, illustrating his ability to transcend musical boundaries.
