Meet Lim’s very own big shot drummer
Seshego’s drumming sensation, Karabo Kwazi Meletse, says he did not initially expect to have a career as a drummer and that it all started when he wanted to play a musical instrument
POLOKWANE – The 25-year-old talks about how it all began.
“My father is a pastor, so my siblings and I spent a lot of time at church. I was encouraged to learn the piano because it was the only instrument we had at our church, but I did not really have an interest in the piano as I had always been fascinated by drums.”
Kwazi says he attended different churches around Seshego which had drums in their instrument kits to catch a glimpse of how it was done and maybe learn to play himself. His mother noticed his talent and encouraged him to play although he did not have equipment.
“With the help of my drum tutor, CharlieBass Maleka, I bought my first drum kit for R200 at a local church.”
He started playing drums when he was only 11 years old and, although it was just a hobby, it did not take long for people to notice his talent.
“I never planned to make a career as a drummer, it was just something I loved doing. Before long I started to get bookings from local gospel and jazz bands.”
That is when he realised he could make a living using his talent and passion. Now he is often invited to play at some of the biggest events in the province like the Mapungubwe and Marula festivals.
I sometimes still can’t believe I have come this far. I am often told that I am Limpopo’s very own Black Motion.
Kwazi shares with Capricorn Voice that he plays bongo drums, conga drums and acoustic drums. He also plays several genres, but his favourite is jazz.
“I admire musicians such Selaelo Selota, Hugh Masekela, Black Coffee, and Zakes Bantwini. My biggest inspiration is Kuniyuki Takahashi, the greatest producer of our time. He practically sets up all his instruments and composes his music on stage, I want to be able to do that.”
Kwazi says his highlights include performing at the Durban Unplugged Tour during the Durban July last year. He says he was featured in a number of television shows such as Thursday Night Live with Robert Marawa, where he played alongside the Muzo Brothers.
“I have worked with legends like Steve Kekana, Bapsy Mlangeni and Jeff Maluleke. I also recorded a live DVD with Peter Mabula”, he says.
