International Jazz Drummer
The vibrant township of Langa has produced many iconic jazz musicians, and Louis Moholo is no exception. This legendary drummer was part of the South African exile community in Britain during the 1970’s, and was instrumental in establishing South African Jazz abroad.
Born in 1940, Moholo grew up in Langa, Cape Town. In the early 1960’s, he joined forces with some exceptionally talented young black musicians to form the famous Blue Notes band. Led by pianist and composer Chris McGregor, the original band was made up of alto saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, tenor saxophonist Nikele Moyake, trumpeter Mongezi Feza and bassist Johnny Mbizo Dyani. Moholo described them once as ‘a bunch of rebels’ who found common ground through music.
The group spoke out against the oppressive apartheid regime with their defiant, joyful jazz sounds. Gigs in South Africa were scarce due to apartheid restrictions, so the band went into exile in 1964 to further pursue their music abroad. The band went on to perform at various festivals across Europe.
The recordings and achievements of the Blue Notes are still legendary in the European jazz community. Moholo eventually settled in Britain in the 1970’s, and continued to perform as a jazz drummer. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Breath, a big band comprising of several South African exiled musicians and leading musicians of the British free jazz scene.
His first solo album ‘Spirits Rejoice’ is considered a classic example of South African and British jazz fusions. He was also a member of the popular afro-rock band Assegai.
Homeward Bound
During his time in exile, Moholo was given the opportunity to perform with various international musicians, including Cecil Taylor, John Tchicai, Archie Shepp and Peter Brötzmann. His warm percussive sounds brought an energetic feel to jazz arrangements.
The adulation his peers and younger generations of musicians have for him stems from the respect and the great demand for his masterful skills as a drummer, composer, arranger, orchestrator and innovator.
In 2005 Moholo returned to South Africa, performing at various festivals such as the UNYAZI Festival of Electronic Music. In 2016, he presided over the launch of the ‘Born to Be Black’ album with the African Freedom Ensemble, formed by new-generation trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni.
Currently living in Langa, Cape Town, the famous drummer now goes under the name Louis Moholo-Moholo because it is more ethnically authentic. He still performs occasionally at venues such as Straight No Chaser, although he claims to be more in demand in Europe than in his home country, given the lack of live music venues.