As part of his protegé tour, legendary guitarist Louis Mhlanga will be performing at UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 29 July. Mhlanga is bringing his incredible artistry and rich musical traditions to the coast this July. Don’t miss this powerful evening of celebrating heritage, connection, and exceptional live performance.

Louis Mhlanga is a South African-based guitarist from Zimbabwe. He started playing the guitar at the age of 10, imitating the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and other rock stars from the 60s and 70s. He also studied both Southern and Western guitar traditions, and successfully incorporated the traditional mbira (thumb piano) patterns of the Shona people into his unique modern electric guitar style.

Louis Mhlanga. Picture supplied

He is known for his collaborations as much as his solo work. He is featured on the 1996 collaborative album “Place of Hope” alongside international stars like George Duke, James Ingram and Al Jarreau. Mhlanga can also be heard on Andy Narell’s “Fire in the Engine Room” (2000) and “Live in South Africa” (2001). In 1999 he recorded “Live At The Baseline” with Vusi Mahlasela. Musik Ye Afrika, another collaborative band, is the brainchild of Louis and his long-time friend, bassist Jimi Indi. They recorded their first album in 1997, following it in mid-2003 with “United We Stand”, featuring stars like Oliver Mtukudzi, Busi Mhlongo, Chiwoniso Maraire, Marcus Wyatt, Bushy Seatlholo and Sydney Mnisi. “Keeping the Dream” (2004) was another collaborative album, this time with Dutch bassist Eric van Westen, also featuring Senegalese Habib Koite.

Mhlanga’s first solo album, “Mukai” (2000) received high acclaim and further established him in the South African market. The Louis Mhlanga Band came into being in 2001, featuring formidable South African Jazz heavyweights Andile Yenana (keys), Denis Lalouette (bass), Sello Montwedi (drums) and Basi Mahlalela (percussion). They were invited by SAfm to perform a recorded concert during the 2001 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, resulting in the release of “Shamwari”, Mhlanga’s first album on the Sheer Sound Label. The SAMA-nominated follow-up in 2004, “Tinganekwane” (Stories), showcased Louis’s signature style, revisiting traditional Zimbabwe flavours interspersed with some surprises.

“My music embodies a unique blend of primitive intensity and sophisticated nuance, combining rugged energy with refined sensibilities. Drawing from the rich musical heritage of Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, my sound fuses traditional elements with modern flair, creating an indigenous African pop groove infused with Jazz, Blues, and Soul”, Mhlanga said. Joining him on stage will be Basi Mahlasela on percussion/vocals, Michael Phillips on bass/vocals, Randal Skippers on keyboards and Rob Watson on drums.

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Level 2, Dennis Shepstone Building, Howard College Campus. Tickets are available through Webtickets or at the door. They are selling at R130 for general public, R100 for pensioners and R70 for students with a valid card. Doors open at 17h00 and the concert starts at 17h30.