Winston Mankunku NgoziSouth Africa |1943| EnglishWinston Mankunku Ngozi, was a prominent South African tenor saxophone player. Born as a first child into a musical family, he started playing the piano at a young age. He started playing the saxophone at a teenage age and gained famed as one of the most prominent jazz musicians of his time. Mankunku became a pioneer of the South African jazz scene and left behind a great legacy in the South African jazz community
Geoffrey OryemaUganda |1953| EnglishGeoffrey Oryema was a renowned musician, statesman, and activist from Uganda. Oryema's family had a background in traditional Acholi music, which influenced his early years. Sadly, his father was killed during Idi Amin's regime in the 1970s, leading him to flee to Kenya and eventually settle in Paris, where he began his music career. Oryema blended traditional Ugandan music with Western influences, creating a unique style that earned him international acclaim. He released albums like "Exile" and "Beat the Border" and collaborated with acclaimed artists like Peter Gabriel and Brian Eno. Despite his success, Oryema remained committed to promoting the music and culture of his homeland and was an advocate for peace in Uganda. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 65.
Bokani DyerBotswana |1986| TswanaBokani Dyer is a South African pianist, composer and bandleader known for his eclectic style that blends elements of jazz, classical and traditional African music. Bokani began his music career as a child prodigy, and was a winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz in 2008. He's released several albums, including "In a New York Minute" and "Ekaya," which have received critical acclaim and solidified his place as one of the leading figures in the South African jazz scene.
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.
Johannes "Spokes" MashiyaneSouth Africa |1933| EnglishJohannes "Spokes" Mashiyane was a renowned pennywhistle artist from the 1950s-1970s. He blended and bent notes with the instrument's simplicity, gaining international recognition in the 1960s. He played with Bud Shank, performed at the Newport Folk Festival, and influenced the music of Zimbabwe. In 1989, the South African band Mango Groove released Special Star as a tribute to him after his passing to liver disease in 1972.
Mighty PopoRWANDA |1966| FrenchJaques Murigande, renowned as Mighty Popo, is a prominent Rwandan musician and educator. His journey began at the tender age of 8, when he first picked up the guitar, setting the stage for a remarkable career. In the early 1990s, he embarked on his professional musical odyssey, ultimately catapulting to fame with his 1997 single, "Agasaza," which enjoyed widespread AirPlay. In 2000, "Dunia Yote," his album, soared to chart-topping heights and reached the 18th spot in Germany. With a repertoire of over 100 compositions, Mighty Popo's impact extends beyond music. He founded the Rwandan School of Creative Arts and Music and the Kigali Music Festival, earning numerous accolades for his music industry contributions. Today, he continues to leave his mark both locally and globally.
Ablaye CissokoSenegal |1970| FrenchAblaye Cissoko, born Kimintang Mahamadou Cissoko into a Griot family in Senegal, is a celebrated musician, singer, and kora virtuoso. His musical journey began at age 12, leading him to the Conservatoire of Music in Dakar. Cissoko's talent has graced stages worldwide, with performances spanning Portugal, France, and Belgium. Notably, he collaborated with trumpeter Volker Goetze, resulting in three acclaimed albums, including "Amanké Dionti" (2012) and "Djaliya" (2014). "Sira" (2008) from this collaboration even reached the top 10 on the world music radio charts. Cissoko also explored traditional Persian music in collaboration with the Constantinople ensemble. His commitment to preserving the Kora tradition is depicted in the 2011 documentary "Griot," where he envisions a cultural center for educating children about their heritage.
Miriam MakebaSouth Africa |1932| XhosaMiriam Makeba, also known as Mama Africa, was a South African singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. She began singing professionally in the 1950s. Makeba gained international fame for her unique blend of jazz, traditional South African music, and other African rhythms. She used her platform to speak out against apartheid and promote justice and equality for all people. Makeba passed away on November 9, 2008, but her music and activism continue to inspire people around the world.
