This musician is no stranger to the music industry and he’s still going strong.
Legendary guitarist Themba Mokoena started playing his instrument professionally in the 60s with marabi and jazz bands such as Sobantu Strangers and Black Magic. However, his love for music began much earlier at the age of six, when he first learned to stroke the strings of a guitar.
His brother taught him the art of playing the instrument and, once he had mastered his sound, he relocated (from where) to Joburg in 1972.
It was in the City of Gold that his talent caught the attention of the Father of Township Theatre, Gibson Kente, as well as Brenda Fassie, and many other popular artists. Following the great impression he made on these legends, he was afforded the opportunity to grace stages across the world with, among other legends, Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, composer extraordinaire George Lee Larnyoh and Simphiwe Dana.
Mokoena receives standing ovations as he tours the world in support of critically acclaimed South Africa artists whether in London with poet Natalia Molebatsi or in his own right as a bandleader in Sobantu, this humble and likeable guitarist is one musician other musicians love to listen to.
Earlier this year he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the first Backing Vocal and Session Music Awards, an initiative of the Princess of Africa Foundation in partnership with Chaka Chaka Promotions, and he was honoured as an unsung hero in the music industry.
The musician, now 64 years old, still continues to play his music at local jazz hotspots including The Orbit in Braamfontein and Niki’s Oasis in Newtown.
Promoted by Concerts SA, a project by South African Music Rights Organisation, Mokoena’s star will continue to shine brightly in the jazz music scene.
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