Friday 3 March
In association with Concerts SA and Luthuli Museum, iSupport Music Business presents Wake Mahlobo Live in concert with his band at Luthuli Museum in Groutville on Friday 3 March.
Wake Mahlobo is a passionate musician (drummer, percussionist and vocalist) from KwaMashu, who has been in the music industry for over 35 years. He made his name nationally and internationally, touring with different bands. Now he has decided to come back home and plough back his musical skills. Mfanafuthi “Wake” Mahlobo is a dedicated, determined and persistent man who believes everything is possible if you apply your mind and skill to it. He is passionate about youth development in music and art.
His band consists of Lebohang Qguwa, keyboards and vocals, Sandile Dlamini, bass and vocals, Aristides Manhique on lead guitar and Siyabonga Duma on saxophone.
Mahlobo was born in Durban in KwaMashu in 1964 into a musically creative family. His father was a tap dancer, pianist and vocalist and his mother a great singer and a dancer, Musicians of different genres often visited, such as Sophie Mgcina, Theo Bophela, Dalton Khanyile and James Mbambo. He started off as a singer with influenced by gospel and African music, years later switching to drumming- influenced by the late jazz drummer Nelson Magwaza.
In 1982 he was offered musical instruments by Signe Dlamini to form a band joined by Bongani Nkwanyana playing lead guitar, Qunta Mbele on keys, Pa Mcanyana on bass guitar, joined in 1983 by the late Mandla Masuku on reeds. The band’s name was Stax. Stax developed and introduced many young stars-Khanyo Maphumulo, Eugene Mthethwa of the group Trompies, Sipho Mbhele (Vision), Deborah Fraser and influenced many more young stars, like Bernard Mndaweni and Thulani Shezi.
Stax performed for audiences around KZN, their tight blending of instruments helped them to win a number of Battle of the Bands locally and nationally, including the Lion Lager music competition held at the Market Theatre in 1984. After this competition they were named Stax 12000.
In 1986 Mahlobo moved to Johannesburg looking for more opportunities and, with Godfrey Nzuza, formed Casino, joined by Bongani Nkwanyana. Casino recorded three albums. The band was signed under the Mike Fuller music label, introducing Mercy Phakela, Ali Cat, and Mr. Chaklas. In 1989 Mahlobo joined the Committed Artist theatre production- introducing Sarafina and Township Fever and touring America, New Zealand and Australia.
In 1992, coming back from tour, he was approached by Darius Brubeck (University of Natal) to form a Jazz Music Project with the late Zim Nqawana (saxophonist), introducing Andile Yenana (piano,) Concord Nkabinde (bass) and Dumisani Shange (lead guitar). Mahlobo was also able to work with different musicians around South Africa and in neighbouring countries like Ghana and Zimbabwe.
This performance at The Luthuli Museum is part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to foster a love and support for live music in our communities, as well as anchor small and medium sized venues in urban and rural Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian live music development project housed within the SAMRO Foundation. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO, the SAMRO Foundation and Concerts Norway. Working with musicians, promoters, venue owners and audiences, and providing support to the sector through research and skills development for music professionals, the project aims to build a vibrant and viable live music circuit in southern Africa. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.
For more information please visit our website, follow @ConcertsSA on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
Events Listing
Groutville – Luthuli Museum
Friday 03 March – 6 pm
Address: 3233 Nokukhanya Luthuli Street, Groutville
R30. Tickets available at the door
