Anton GoosenSouth Africa |1945| AfrikaansAnton Goosen is a renowned South African singer-songwriter and author who pioneered Afrikaans rock music in the 1970s. His socially conscious lyrics and unique blend of Afrikaans and rock music gained him popularity with South African audiences. He has released numerous albums, including "Standbeeld" and "Groen en Goud", and won several awards for his music. Goosen has also written books, including a memoir titled "Op Aarde as in die Hemel". He continues to tour and perform, and his music remains popular among Afrikaans-speaking audiences.
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.
Djéli Mady TounkaraMali |1947| FrenchBorn in the culturally rich town of Kita, west of the Malian capital, Bamako, Djelimady grew up surrounded with traditional music played by members of his family, griots, musicians and historians by birth. Djelimady played djembe drum and ngoni, a banjo-like lute, as a boy. When he moved to Mali's capital, Bamako, Voted the best guitarist in the band, Djelimady was selected to join the Orchestre National as rhythm guitarist, a great honor for the young player.
Mokhtar SambaMorocco |1960| FrenchMokhtar Samba is a drummer and percussionist of Moroccan and Senegalese origin who has performed with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including Jaco Pastorius, Carlos Santana, and Youssou N'Dour. He's known for his innovative sonorities and mixing, combining western harmonies with African rhythms and Bedouin tunes. His music draws inspiration from his experiences with Salif Keita, Kante Manfila, Ousmane Kouyaté, and Cheikh Tidiane. Mokhtar's sensational solo album, Dounia, features collaborations with outstanding musicians like Woz Kaly, N'Doumbé Djengué, and Jean-Philippe Rykiel.
Noumoucounda CissokoSenegal |1920| FrenchNoumoucounda Cissoko, hailing from a prestigious Griot musical heritage in Senegal, is a highly skilled kora player, percussionist, and vocalist. His upbringing, with a famous kora-playing father and a vocalist mother, shaped his musical prowess and deep understanding of rhythm and melody. Collaborating with his brother, he innovatively fused the kora with diverse musical genres. After going solo, he joined Positive Black Soul in 1994, touring globally and collaborating with renowned artists. Noumoucounda embodies a contemporary urban griot, showcased in his debut album "Faling" (2012), which led to international travels. In 2017, he co-founded Karantaba Records, culminating in his 2019 release, "Noumoukan Wilila," addressing themes of development, education, and women's rights in Africa.
Karim ZiadAlgeria |1966| ArabicKarim Ziad is a talented Algerian musician percussionist, drummer, singer, and composer. His unique style fuses North African music's richness with soulful jazz sounds. Starting in Algiers with a hard rock band, Ziad later pursued biology studies in Paris, where he immersed himself in the vibrant jazz scene. His exceptional jazz drumming caught the attention of renowned artists like Cheb Mami, Khaled, and Idir, leading to collaborations with other notable musicians. A trailblazer in contemporary jazz and North African music, Ziad's innovative compositions resonate worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the global music community, inspiring artists and enthusiasts alike.
Linda SikhakhaneSouth Africa |1992| SesothoLinda Sikhakhane is a renowned South African saxophonist and composer, known for his exceptional talent and passion for jazz. Guided by Dr. Brian Thusi and Mr. Khulekani Bhengu, he honed his skills through music classes and pursued a Music program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Collaborating with esteemed South African musicians and international artists, he showcased his distinct style in his debut album, 'Two Sides, One Mirror,' released in 2017. Sikhakhane's dedication extends beyond his own artistry, actively mentoring and teaching aspiring musicians. With bursaries and accolades, he continues to inspire and contribute to South Africa's vibrant music scene.
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.
Sasha SonnbichlerSouth Africa |1959| AfrikaansSasha Sonnbichler, a multifaceted talent in the realm of jazz, hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. His diverse skill set spans jazz guitar performance, arrangement, and education. Notably, he held the position of Musical Director at Parktown High School for Girls and furthermore served as the Creative Director of Music for The Outreach Foundation in Hillbrow. Sasha's educational journey led him to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a master's certificate in music arrangement, and subsequently to the American Institute of Music. He received recognition with a nomination at the South African Music Awards (SAMA). In 2002, he unveiled his debut album, "Ndaa," under BMG Africa's Giant Steps label. Following this success, his second album, "Tan Huts," was released through Beyond the Box Music.
