Maleh began her musical journey in the heart of the majestic mountain Kingdom of Lesotho where she was born and raised. The vocalist’s professional career took off in Bloemfontein where she joined Afro-Pop group Kaya, which released their debut album ‘Kunzima’, winning them the Metro FM best newcomer award in 2005.
Between 2010 and 2011 Maleh featured on several hit collaborations including Dj Qness ‘Uzongilinda’ & ‘Time’, DJ Ganyani ‘Not so Far’ and the international hit with DJ Kent Falling Maleh’s Maleh’s much anticipated 2011 debut album ‘Step Child’ was a twelve (12) track Neo Afro-Soul production. The album was a leap of faith, an intuitive exploration of soulful melodies drawn from the landscape of Lesotho. It became a call and response for Maleh, textured with tales of migrancy, folklore and moments of deep self-reflection. ‘Step Child’ achieved much success with singles ‘Chimsoro’ and ‘Under My Skin’ receiving high rotation air play on commercial radio stations and topping radio charts throughout the country. The album further earned her two nominations in the 2013 Metro FM Music Awards in the ‘Best African Pop’ and ‘Best Contemporary Jazz’ categories.
Step Child’ was later nominated for the 2013 South African Music Awards, winning The Best African Adult Album. Her follow-up album and first single ‘You Make My Heart Go’ was released in December 2014. The song was later listed on the Guardian UK playlist as one of the top five songs to come from Africa in 2015. It topped iTunes and radio charts in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana Swaziland, Mozambique, Moldova, Paris, UK, Spain and Brazil. ‘You Make My Heart Go’ was nominated at the 2015 XXI South African Music Awards and won the award for the Best African Adult Album. Her concert repertoire has placed her on lineups with artists such as Angie Stone, Tamia, Kerry Hilson, and Oliver Mtukudzi and has had great audience reception throughout the globe including South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana and Portugal.
After a 5 year hiatus, Maleh has returned with Her recent album , titled Lerato Laka which, was released in February 2022 and launched in London through her Uk agent Utour. This recent body of work was produced by Nigerian born artist Victor Ikeigbo aka ‘Goldsmithonthebeat’ and has expanded the artist’s market reach by brilliantly fusing the customary African drum patterns and raw basslines of West Africa, with the smooth classic soulful sounds and melodies that are distinct to Southern African music. The album has already won Maleh a Basadi in Women African Award. After 20 years in the industry, Maleh promises to be the kind of artist that is likely to stand the test of time.
Vusi Mahlasela, affectionately known as “The Voice” of South Africa, is a distinguished singer-songwriter and poet whose powerful, evocative voice resonates with the spirit of his homeland. Born and raised in the Mamelodi Township, Vusi transformed his experiences in a country marred by Apartheid into poignant lyrical expressions of hope and unity. His music serves as a bridge, connecting South Africa’s troubled past with its aspirations for a brighter future.
From a young age, Vusi honed his talents as a self-taught guitarist and poet-activist, later joining the Congress of South African Writers. His formidable debut album, “When You Come Back,” propelled him into the international spotlight, culminating in a historic performance at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. Since then, Vusi has graced stages worldwide, sharing his message of resilience alongside icons such as Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Paul Simon, and many others.
In 2003, Vusi’s artistry caught the attention of fellow South African Dave Matthews, who signed him to ATO Records, leading to a series of acclaimed releases in North America. A highlight of his career came in 2013 when he opened for the Dave Matthews Band during their first performance in South Africa. His participation in the 2010 World Cup celebrations, where his iconic song “When You Come Back” became the theme for ITV’s coverage, solidified his position as a cultural icon.
Over the past two decades, Vusi has released ten celebrated albums, with his latest, “Umoya,” launched in September 2023. This deeply personal work, his first collection of new songs in thirteen years, showcases his folk music roots and was produced collaboratively with young musicians from his music development foundation. “Umoya” has earned critical acclaim, including nominations for two South African Music Awards and consideration for a Grammy as Best Global Music Album.
Vusi’s contributions to music and culture have been recognized through numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Music Awards in 2014 and honorary doctorates from Rhodes University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa honored him with the national “Ubuntu and Culture” award, while former President Jacob Zuma awarded him the National Order of Ikhamanga for his role in highlighting the injustices of Apartheid.
Revered not only for his artistic capabilities but also for his advocacy, Vusi has actively participated in campaigns promoting awareness for HIV/AIDS through the 46664 initiative founded by Nelson Mandela. His work resonates with the profound words of Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, who described him as a “national treasure,” stating, “Vusi sings as a bird does, in total response to being alive.”
Today, Vusi Mahlasela continues to perform both locally and internationally, inspiring audiences with the timeless message of hope that defines his extraordinary career—a legacy intertwined with the very heart of South Africa.
Carlo Mombelli stands as one of South Africa’s most significant and restlessly creative musical voices. Over a distinguished four-decade career, Mombelli has garnered international acclaim as a bassist, bandleader, and composer, consistently bridging gaps between genres, musicians, and audiences. His visionary approach to music-making blends the expressive soul of the developing world with the technical profundity of the classical tradition, resulting in a body of work described as both “disconcertingly beautiful” (The Jazz Times, USA) and “unusually and unexpectedly fresh” (Paris Jazz Man Magazine, France).
Mombelli’s compositions are characterized by their emotional depth, experimental nature, and a willingness to push the boundaries of sound. His music, often described as sitting “on the cusp of sanity, where madness and brilliance share space, where true art resides” (The Sunday Independent), reflects a profound understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony, delivered with exceptional technical skill. Dan Bilawsky (All About Jazz, USA) aptly describes him as a “sage figure” who, rather than settling into a comfort zone, remains “one of the most restlessly creative forces in South African jazz.”
Early Career and International Collaborations:
A self-taught musician, Mombelli quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, performing and recording at prestigious music clubs and festivals worldwide. These include the Roma Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival, the Stockholm Jazz Festival, and the Berliner Philharmonie.
His talent has led to collaborations with a diverse array of world-renowned musicians, including Wolfgang Muthspiel, Charlie Mariano, and many others from both the classical and jazz worlds. He has also recorded for Enja Records with Egberto Gismonti, among other notable projects solidifying his international reputation.
Champion of South African Music:
Mombelli is deeply committed to the South African music scene, having performed and worked with many of the country’s leading musicians, including Kyle Shepherd, Zim Ngqawana, and numerous others across diverse genres. His bass playing can be heard on numerous South African recordings with artists, including luminaries like Miriam Makeba and Simphiwe Dana.
Recent Projects and Accolades:
In 2018, the Swiss/Italian ‘Euregio’ Large Ensemble dedicated the year to performing Mombelli’s compositions at festivals throughout Europe, showcasing the breadth and depth of his orchestral writing. In 2021, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York presented Mombelli performing his music alongside the Grammy award-winning New York String Quartet ‘Ethel’, marking a significant recognition of his contribution to contemporary music.
His recent album, featuring Wolfgang Muthspiel and Jorge Rossy, has been lauded as “music of outrageous, almost scandalous beauty” (Die Weltwoche, Switzerland, 2023), highlighting the ongoing evolution and refinement of his musical vision. His 2016 recording, I Pressed my Spine to the Ground, was chosen by BBC 3 Late Junction as one of their top 12 picks for the year. Lullaby for Planet Earth (2022) was described by All About Jazz USA as reflecting “a purity linking the concepts of self-command and surrender,” speaking “to universal hope and possibilities.”
Film, Ballet, and Commissions:
Mombelli’s creative output extends beyond jazz and into the realms of film and dance. His music has been used in numerous ballets performed worldwide, and he has composed scores for films, documentaries, and animations, which have been showcased at major art film festivals, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). His composition commissions include music for a mobile game for a London company, commissions for Zim Ngqawana’s orchestra, and award-winning music composition for Simphiwe Dana.
Lutherie Urbaine Project:
From 2007 to 2009, Mombelli collaborated with Jean-Louis Mechali, director of the Paris- based company ‘Lutherie Urbaine’, conducting weekly workshops in Soweto and Mamelodi, teaching children and youths to play his music on instruments built from recycled materials. The project was documented by filmmaker Sylvie Coulon in a film titled ‘Sharp Sharp’.
Educator and Author:
Alongside his performance and composition work, Mombelli is a dedicated educator. He has held teaching posts at institutions like the Berklee College of Music and the Jazz Musik Akademie in Basel, Switzerland. Mombelli is currently a NRF-rated Associate Professor and Head of Music at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where he mentors and shapes the next generation of South African musicians. He has also created a series of videos breaking down his compositional processes, instrumentation concepts, and approaches to live performance.
His commitment to music education is further reflected in his publications: Pulses in the Centre of Silence – Composition Scores and Artistry Concepts and Mombelli’s Intergallactic Bass Book, published by Real African Publishing and internationally by Hal Leonard, respectively.
Carlo Mombelli continues to be a vital and influential figure in the global music landscape, pushing boundaries, inspiring audiences, and nurturing the next generation of musical talent. His unwavering dedication to artistic integrity and his commitment to exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation make him a true national treasure.
At just 24 years old, Brandon Aura is already carving out a formidable place in the musical landscape as a transformative voice of African folk-pop. Hailing from Zimbabwe and raised amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of South Africa, Brandon infuses his music with the rich traditions, soulful melodies, and poetic storytelling that define his African heritage. His sound is a compelling fusion of indigenous folk elements, acoustic warmth, and
contemporary soul, making each song a heartfelt journey into love, healing, and self discovery.
Brandon’s artistry is characterized by a voice that strikes a perfect balance between vulnerability and resilience—an emotive guide through his introspective lyrics and captivating melodies. As a multi-instrumentalist and producer, he exercises full creative control, blending folk instrumentation with gospel, Afro-acoustic rhythms, and soul to create a timeless yet innovative sonic experience.
His stage presence, dubbed the “Aura,” is as magnetic as it is spiritual, transforming every performance into an immersive, communal ritual. Whether performing intimate living room shows or commanding the stage at major festivals across Johannesburg and Cape Town, Brandon’s soulful energy and spoken-word interludes leave audiences profoundly moved. His music is not just entertainment; it’s a powerful expression of African storytelling that resonates with a global audience eager for authentic voices from the continent.
With a rapidly growing digital footprint and an eagerly anticipated debut EP, Brandon Aura is swiftly emerging as a defining voice of a new African generation—one that dignifies its roots while boldly stepping into the future. As he continues to explore his cultural identity and musical boundaries, Brandon is undeniably on the cusp of widespread recognition and international acclaim, poised to become one of Africa’s next big musical sensations.
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