Tlale Makhene is one of the most sought-after percussionists in the South African jazz scene. Featuring an exciting combo of percussion, guitar, bass, and electronics, his quartet represents a unique fusion combining South African jazz, traditional tribal rhythms, trance, and neo-soul, that invariably gets audiences moving their feet.
The event is free and open to the public.
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Tlale Makhene Quartet
Tlale Makhene: percussion, vocals
Tshegofatso Teffo: guitar
Sibusiso Sibanyoni: bass
Mduduzi Matsenjwa: turntables, electronics
Bio
Born in Soweto, Tlale Makhene is one of South Africa’s most sought-after percussionists. A versatile performer, studio musician, producer, composer, and pedagogue, Makhene draws his inspiration from traditional, world, and jazz music, and has earned himself a the title of “The Groove Master” among his musical compatriots.
Makhene has performed extensively in South Africa and internationally, having collaborated with renowned groups and musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, Mirriam Makeba, Judith Sephuma, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Sibongile Khumalo, McCoy Mrubata, Stompie Mavi, Kalawa Production, Dan Selsick, Angelique Kidjo, Manu Dibango, Andy Narel, Paul Hanmer and Keiko Matsui. He also worked with multimedia visual artist William Kentridge in his highly acclaimed touring installation-performance Head and the Load.
Makhene began drumming at the age of four after moving to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), inspired by the drumbeats and dance rhythms played by his maternal grandmother, a traditional healer. He later returned to his birthplace Soweto and studied percussion full time at the FUNDA Center. His professional journey accelerated when he was scouted by the Danish percussion group Drums Across, leading to collaborations with Danish musicians such as John Sund, Yasser Pino, Rune Thorsteinsson, and Carsten D, among others. While in Denmark on a cultural exchange, he also performed with the Copenhagen Rhythmic Conservatory Big Band and conducted rhythmic workshops.
Makhene’s first album as a bandleader, Ascension of the Enlightened, won the MTN South African Music Award in 2005 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He conceives of this work as a translation of intimate communications with his ancestors. His second release, Swazi Gold, is based on the music he grew up listening to in Eswatini, also a fundamental influence on his artistry.
Tlale Makhene currently leads a new quartet featuring guitarist Tshegofatso Teffo, bassist Sibusiso Sibanyoni, and Mduduzi Matsenjwa on turntables and electronics.