Gontse Makhene

Gontse Makhene is a Soweto born musician/ percussionist (37) with over 17 years’ experience in the music industry.

He is one of the founding members of Gontse Makhene Le Baagisane, Shabaka and the Ancestors, Manjik (Ancestors), Peanut Butter and Jam, Planet Lindela (2013) and the 2004 SAMA nominated Kwani Experience. Cited as the most famous unknown band that changed the local musical landscape.

Academic Background

2001-2003: National School of The Arts: Studied N course music (Drum-Kit)

1989-1992: Studied African Music at the Funda Community College in Soweto (Marimba, Akadinda and Contemporary Afro Dance)

CAREER

2019: Featured on Nduduzo Makhathini’s Blue Note record Modes of communication, letters from the underworlds.
• Performed with the Ralf Gum All Star Band at Dstv Delicious International Food & Music Festival
• Recorded the second Shabaka and the Ancestors album called We Are Sent Here By History on Impulse records.
• Featured on SPAZA a record released on Mushroom Hour Half Hour
• Founded Peanut Butter & Jam sessions.
2018: Africa Day celebration Concert: session percussionist for Salif Keita (South Africa & eSwatini), Yemi Alade and Ladysmith Black Mambazo
• Collaborated with Columbian marimba master Hugo Gonzalez Alvares
• On tour with Shabaka and the ancestors: Australia/ Sydney Music Festival and Berlin Wasser Musik Festival
• Music and Creative consultant on Inkomo Yami short film and video installation
2017: Toured Europe, America and Canada with Shabaka and the Ancestors
• Performed with Sun Ra Archestra led by Master Marshal Allen (Finland)
• Sound track album to the documentray feature film the Uprise (SA)
• Sound track album to the feature film She is King (SA)
2016- Present: Band Member of: Shabaka and the Ancestors, Manjik, Atoms and the void, Amandla Freedom ensemble, Msaki and the Golden Circle
• Performer as Gontse Makhene and Friends at the Soweto Theatre and currently planing on recording an Album
2016: Performed with Madala Kunene in the Reunion Islands at Sakifo
2015/16: Participated in a residency exchange program called Forest Jam (SA, Madagascar, Senegal, Switzerland, Italy & Mozambique), which included prominent musicians Madala Kunene, Mabi Thobejane, Zamba and Claus Bosser Ferrari