Sean
Gaisford
Sean Gaisford is a powerhouse bassist in South Africa’s metal and extreme music scene, known for his intense energy, technical skill, and dynamic stage presence. With numerous South African tours and a recent stint in Germany, Sean has cemented his place among the leading figures in South African metal. His 2024 performance at Wacken Open Air—Europe’s largest metal festival, attracting 85,000 fans—stands out as a career highlight, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
A core member of the award-winning bands Raptorbaby and Sunken State, Sean has shared stages with renowned acts like Fit for a King, Sikth, and The Black Dahlia Murder. Beyond his role as a performer, he’s an in-demand session bassist and co-founder of Midnight Energy, an alternative media company focused on supporting and promoting the local music scene.
Tebogo (AusTebza) Sedumedi
Tebogo Sedumedi, known affectionately as AusTebza, is a multifaceted musical talent celebrated as a Recording and Award-Winning Bassist, Singer, Songwriter, Arranger, Music Director, and Mentor.
Having released two albums, “Make a Difference” and “Motheo,” AusTebza’s prowess as a solo recording artist was acknowledged with a 2021 SATMA award for Best African Jazz Artist for her album “Motheo.” Her musical journey has graced renowned stages like Makhanda Festival, Joy of Jazz, Joburg Arts Alive Festival, and international performances in places like Reunion Islands.
With an impressive resume that includes working on renowned South African musicals and directing music for significant events, AusTebza’s legacy continues to grow, embodying the essence of a true musical virtuoso and inspirational mentor.
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Concord
Nkabinde
South African Bass Guitarist, Band-Leader, Composer & Music Educator, Concord Nkabinde, has contributed to many internationally acclaimed projects & Artists that include, Johnny Clegg, Lionel Loueke, Hugh Masekela, Joyous Celebration, Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Phil Manzaniera, Roy Ayers and many more.
As a recipient of the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist Award, Concord continues to produce music, collaborate, educate and influence younger creative voices.
Carlo
Jooste
Born in Ceres on October 14, 1989, Carlo’s musical journey was deeply influenced by his family’s musical background. Guided by his father, Gerhard Jooste, who played guitar in the local church, Carlo picked up the guitar at eight years old. While initially active in church bands, Carlo’s passion evolved in his late teens when he developed an insatiable desire to master the bass guitar, drawing upon his guitar knowledge.
This shift earned him recognition in Ceres and surrounding areas, eventually reaching Cape Town, over 140km away. Carlo’s growing expertise led to collaborations with renowned artists, including Allou April, Kunjalo, Wilmot Fredericks, and the late Robbie Jansen. A pivotal moment came in 2009 when he joined Jamali in Johannesburg, propelling him further into the spotlight as he later became the esteemed bassist and musical director for South African sensation Mi Casa, nurtured by the group’s members – J Something, Dr. Duda, and Mo’T.
Duard Musk (Doctor Du)
Duard Musk (Doctor Du) is a qualified professional bassist, composer and arranger with 10+ years of active experience in live performance and recording ranging from the most intimate of venues to some of the biggest stages South Africa has to offer.
Duard has been fortunate enough to have played more than 100 shows across South Africa within the last 10 months, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names on the South African circuit, such as Francois van Coke & Die Gevaar, Jack Parow, Elandré, Synth Peter, Albert Frost and many more. With every act being unique in sound and genre, Duard has been forced to become a musical swiss army knife – able to adapt to any sound. This is a skill that he believes sets him apart from the rest because ability is nothing without versatility.
4am
Graced with the looks of Brad Pitt, the dance moves of Jagger and the elegance of Beyoncé’s bottom 4am’s fun-filled, energetic melting pot of catchy toe-tapping tunes will literally get the party started.
Incorporating elements of Indie, Folk, Pop, African vibes, rock and even a bit of reggae love to finish it off, their melodic vibes are guaranteed to have you hooked in seconds. What sets the band apart is also the interactive live performance, focusing on crowd participation and just having an absolute blast on stage. 4am really thrive on making their shows an unforgettable experience.
Billy Monama
Billy Monama is a South African guitarist, author, composer, arranger, producer, educator, founder and managing director of The Grazroots Project. In 1997, Monama began his journey with the guitar inspired by the music of his childhood, which combined traditional ethnic sounds, African gospel and jazz.
A sought-after guitarist, Monama has worked with artists including Themba Mkhize, Abdullah Ibrahim, Andile Yenana, Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Ntoni, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubeka, collaborative performance with Dave Koz, Denise Jannah and many others.
In 2016, Billy and Andy Innes released their album: Brothers, a collection of original pieces written and arranged for the acoustic guitar in traditional styles. In October 2017, he released his debut album: Rebounce and in 2020, released tutorial videos: Introduction to South African Guitar Styles Vol.1.
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For more read: www.billymonama.co.za