Yonela Mnana

“My studies in this genre’s history and the evolution of its arrangement have helped me to adopt an open approach.”

Many assimilate this blind genius with Stevie Wonder because of his singing, piano playing, composing, teaching and arranging skills. Yonela Mnana studied piano at Wits University where he obtained a B.mus degree.  

His ensembles feature his own compositions that encompass jazz, African traditional music and popular contemporary music (local and international). On most of these he has utilized his voice which he developed unassisted.

Among many artists he worked with since 2005 is Steve Kekana, world-renowned Zim Ngqawana, Jimmy Mngwandi, Andile Yenana, Thandiswa Mazwai and Siphokazi.

He has recently been chosen to accompany singers and choirs for the entire Tirisano Regional Competition that is nation wide. This is where he will display his remarkable understanding of classical music as he will learn and play all songs by ear and provide the music support to the singers at the competition. 


On 27 August 2011, Yonela performed a song with Frank McComb at the Joy of Jazz festival! The audience was wowed and want to hear more from Yonela!! Yonela is currently recording his first music album. Watch this space!!

Short Review: "Rewind" the Opera based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

After seeing the "Rewind" Opera (a representation of the Truth and Reconciliation recordings) yesterday, I couldn't help but remember Winnie the opera and compare the two South African stories. "Rewind" hit me hard. I cried a river over racist stories post 1994 that get swept under the carpet. Sibongile Khumalo gave a stunning performance. She made the lyrics alive. The melodies were so appropriate. Phillip Miller - Thank you for making new music accessible. You are a man of virtue!

Sibongile Khumalo, you mended my heart with "Thula sizwe. Ungabokhala Ujehova wakho uzokunqobela" - translation - (Wipe your tears, my nation. Don't cry. Your God will make you triumphant!) Every South African should see this Opera. Memory is so powerful!!!

Wouter Kellerman

A true crossover artist, Wouter Kellerman demonstrates the African perspective of the arts in that he fuses dance, drama, music, visual arts, people and much more into one luring performance! hmmm...

The South African Music Award-winning flute wizard has performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony apart from, over the last two years, performing all over the world in places like Berlin, Shanghai, New York, France, Sydney, South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, in Texas.

Albums:  Colour (2008)/ Two Voices (2010)

PS. Click on his name to see him in action!!

Hlulani Hlangwani

Hlulani Hlangwane is a South African born Jazz singer with a uniquely distinctive voice. Her tone places her snuggly in the field of jazz and soul divas. 2008 was a milestone in Hlulani’s career as a selected best vocalist of the year by the Standard Bank arts organization that placed her in The National Youth Jazz Band for a year.

Returning from her three month Vietnam tour in 2009, Hlulani has since settled in Johannesburg. With experience in working with RnB American singer Joe, The Spinners, Judith Sephuma, Jimmy Dludlu, Hugh Masekela, Herbie Tsoaeli, Ayanda Sikade, Lucas Senyatso, Mlungisi Gegana and Feya Faku to name a few. 
It's just a matter of time before she takes this industry by storm!!

Tlale Makhene

Tlale Makhene is a much sought after SAMA Award winner, teacher, session musician, music festival director and performer.

Performances: He has toured with Keiko Matsui (Japan) as well as performing in her new album called MOYO where he got to work with Derrick Nakamoto. He also performed with Pharaoh Sanders, Corrine Bailey (U.K), Angelique Kidjo (Benin) and Jamalia (U.K) during the 46664 concerts. Tlale was part of a performance at a World Economic Forum in an Ensemble led by Caiphus Semenya and directed by Quincy Jones. Other members of that ensemble were Arturo Sandoval, Bashiri Johnson, Branford Marsalis, Louis Nash and Herbie Hancock.

Directing and Producing: He directed Tihlabani Awards ceremony, Zone6 Games (LOC) and the Coca-Cola World Cup Trophy for the awards in Swaziland. Working with artists such as McCoy Mrubata, Paul Hanmer, Simphiwe Dana, Flo D and Shannon Modday, he also produced and directed the jazz festival for the SwaziExpo.

He just performed with Yusef Lateef and Rufus Reid at the Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre. He is reharsing with Paul Simon for the celebration of 25 years of 

Album: Ascension of the Enlightened 
(2004)

click on Tlale's name to listen to his beautiful music 

link to live performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IARu8aF82iM