Billy Monama
Online educators, Recorded music archives, Solo artists
Johannesburg, South Africa
1997
Billy Monama
BIO
Billy Monama is a versatile musician from South Africa who is renowned for his skills as a guitarist, composer, bandleader, author, arranger, producer, and educator. He founded The Grazroots Project and is known for his South African Jazz music, though he transcends musical styles, to label him a jazz musician would be to limit his world. He discovered his love for music through the guitar in 1997 and to date he still strumming.
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. As a bandleader and recording artist, Monama has performed at the prestigious festivals and conducted masterclasses and workshop at most of all the music institution in South Africa.
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, Monama released his debut album Rebounce. In 2020, released tutorial videos Introduction to South African Guitar Styles Vol.1 consisting demonstration of guitar styles of playing from Maskanda, Mbaqanga, Kwela, African Jazz and xiTsonga.
In 2022, Monama published his first tutorial book tutorial book – Introduction to South African Guitar Styles Vol.1 – “Five Decades of Ukuvamba” (1930s – 1980s).
The University of Southern California, Los Angeles and Northern Texas presented Monama with the Distinguished Lecture certificate for contributing knowledge, wisdom, and exemplary teaching to the 2022 International Collegiate Guitar Ensemble Festival.
In 2022, Monama curated and produced first South African Music Education Colloquium that seeks to advance the curriculum in schools, “Let our curriculum sing the African Song”. He presented a case study of the economic landscape of South African music in the cultural and creative industry at the South African Cultural Observatory 4th International Conference.
For more read, www.billymonama.co.za
Photos
Videos
SA Music Legacy Masterclass in Partnership with Brand South Africa Play Your Part, guest Maleh
Elvis Blue - Tribute to Johnny Glegg at the Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert 4th Edition, State Theatre
Billy Monama performs Elusive Freedom live at Joburg Theatre 2025, Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert
Simphiwe Dana - Bantu Biko Street at Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert 04th Edition, State Theatre
Billy Monama - Performance at The Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert 5th Edition at Joburg Theatre.
REBIRTH OF UBUNTU CONCERT 5th Edition 29 & 30 May at Joburg Theatre 2026
BOOK NOW ON WEBTICKETS. REBIRTH OF UBUNTU CONCERT 5th Edition 29 & 30 May at Joburg Theatre.
The Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert - 04 Edition celebration Reconciliation month at the State Theatre
Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert 3rd Edition - Celebrating Youth Month 2025 at Joburg Theatre theatre
BACK TO THE FUTURE 2025 - SOWETO THEATRE -
Billy Monama' Rebirth of Ubuntu 06, December 2025, State Theatre
"The Rebirth of Ubuntu" EPK 2025| SA Cultural Diversity| Heritage|
Billy Monama performs Jo Ke Mohlolo (Hymn) from REBOUNCE Album |Back To the Future Concert '25|
Billy Monama performs "Elusive Freedom" Yfactor Project at Back To the Future Concert 2025
Lindi Ngonelo tribute to SA Piano greats at Billy Monama's Back To The Future Concert 5th Edition.
Social Networks and Websites
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