Go Back

Pops Mohamed

First Name: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

Primary Language: 

Bio

Ismail Mohamed-Jan, better known as Pops Mohamed, is a versatile South African artist who is celebrated as a multi-instrumentalist, jazz musician, and producer. Fondly known as the "Minister of Music," he showcases his mastery across a plethora of instruments, encompassing the African mouth bow, didgeridoo, guitar, kora, and more. Born in Benoni, Gauteng, he founded his first band, "The Valiants," at 14. His moniker stems from his childhood admiration for Popeye. Pops Mohamed has collaborated and worked with industry experts like Abdullah Ibrahim, Kippie Moeketsi, Miriam Makeba, and Hugh Masekela. Honored with the Order of Ikhamanga and a place in the South African Jazz Hall of Fame, his contributions resonate profoundly in the nation's arts and culture.

Discography

Albums⁷

Sophiatown Society2022 • albumTracks: 6

Inner City Funk2021 • albumTracks: 3

Kalamazoo2021 • albumTracks: 3

Believe2017 • albumTracks: 1

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow2005 • albumTracks: 12

How Far Have We Come2005 • albumTracks: 11

The Fucha Rist2005 • albumTracks: 15

Label

Record Label associated with Pops Mohamed - past and current.

Similar Artists

Mohamed El SharnoubyEgypt |1920| Arabic

Nico CarstensSouth Africa |1926| Afrikaans

Nicolaas Cornelius Carstens, a.k.a. Nico Carstens, was a songwriter, accordionist, and musician from South Africa.Six months after Carstens' 13th birthday, he won an adult music competition. It was his first accordion. At the age of seventeen, he wrote his first piece of music. The world-famous song "Zambezi" by Carstens grew popular and was covered by a number of performers, including Eddie Calvert, Acker Bilk, Bert Kaempfert, The Shadows, James Last, Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer, and Johnny Dankworth.

Ali LasmarTunisia |1920| Arabic

Ali Lasmar, born Mohamed Ali Lasmar (محمد علي لسمر), is a well-known Tunisian folk artist celebrated for his contributions to the music scene in the nineties. Notably, Lasmar's versatility is evident after appearing in the debut season of the 2019 television series Nouba. With over six albums to his credit, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Tunisian folk music, Lasmar has released albums including "Hakka Yodhhrelek Ya Ghzeli" and "Khalouni Aala Hweya," which have helped underscore his popularity and influence in Tunisia.

Dudu PukwanaSouth Africa |1938| Zulu

Mthutuzeli Dudu Pukwana was a renowned South African saxophonist, composer, and pianist. Inspired by Nikele Moyake, Pukwana switched from piano to alto saxophone. He gained recognition by winning the 1962 Johannesburg Jazz Festival with Moyake's Jazz Giants. Joining the Blue Notes led by Chris McGregor, Pukwana played a pivotal role as a composer. He formed Assagai and Spear, releasing influential albums. Pukwana's style blended kwela rhythms, rocking guitars, and jazz solos. He collaborated with various artists and recorded the poignant "Blue Notes for Mongezi" in tribute to Mongezi Feza. Pukwana's legacy lives on, inspiring musicians worldwide.

Weppa Wanno SoundNigeria |1935| Other Nigerian

Weppa Wanno is a Kingdom in Etsako East Council, South- South geo political zone of Nigeria. It is the homeland of Uwano people in Etsako East council. The people of Weppa Wanno speak Etsako languages with Uwano dialect It is bounded by Avianwu, Ibie, Ekperi, and Idah across the Niger River. Weppa Wanno consists of several villages and towns, while the city of Agenebode serves as the capital and ancestral city of all Weppa Wanno people both at home and in diaspora. It is also the administrative headquarters of Etsako East Council. The River Niger flows to the east of this community. Unuedeghor, Emokweme, Oshiolo, Ekwotsor, Agiere, Itokwi, Aviodor, Iviari, Ovao, Ivioghe, Iviukwe, Othame, Iviukhua, Igiode, Ivianokpodi, Iviebua, Iviegbepui, are names of some of the villages that makes up Weppa Wanno Kingdom.

Salah RagabEgypt |1936| Arabic

Salah Ragab was a renowned Egyptian musician and gifted drummer who left an indelible mark on music by fostering jazz in Egypt. Combining his military career with a love for jazz, he formed the iconic Cairo Jazz Band with Hartmut Geerken and Eduard Vizvari after a serendipitous meeting. Ragab's pivotal role as an educator in the military's music department led to the band's prominence, culminating in their 1969 debut at American University. Collaborations with Sun Ra and brief involvement with Germany's Embryo showcased his international influence. Despite his passing in 2008, Ragab's legacy as a catalyst for Egyptian jazz endures, resonating through generations.

Dexter JohnsonNigeria |1932| English

Dexter Johnson was a Nigerian musician and multi-instrumentalist who rose to fame in Dakar's music scene during the 1960s. Relocating to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in the 1970s, he found employment at Disco Stock, a renowned record label. In Abidjan, Johnson formed partnerships with various musicians and bands and produced several albums that gained substantial popularity across West Africa. Notably, he worked closely with Manu Dibango to shape the influential Ivory Radio and Television Orchestra, which became a prominent musical ensemble in Ivory Coast. Johnson's musical prowess led him to the United States, where he continued collaborating with fellow artists and recording music. Sadly, he passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy as a gifted musician whose melodies brought joy to countless individuals.