Youseff Makongela

With a glut of Johannesburg punk Rock guitarists, Zelizwe Mthembu (Youseff Makongela) is a singer and songwriter that has developed an earmarked sound by producing blues, and lead guitar lines set against African rhythms. Born in Tembisa and raised in Kempton Park. Makongela taught himself basic music theory by interacting with classical compositions, African literature, and choral hymns. He then further advanced this skill through a few lessons with the monk of South African Jazz, Jerry Molelekwa at the Moses Molelekwa Art centre. It is through the creation of music he began to Investigate and observe society’s virtues.

His music career launched as one of the founding members of the now internationally acclaimed Johannesburg-based Art ensemble, 'THE BROTHER MOVES ON', which was formed around 2008 and continued as their current guitarist, composer, and backing vocalist. As multidimensional creatives, they have toured Africa, Europe, The United States of America, and The United Kingdom. They have appeared on Brothers and Sisters of Soul with Itai Hakim, Bantu Hour with the legendary Hugh Masekela, BET, and My World. The Brother Moves On has been featured in the Sunday Times, City Press, The Times, Rolling Stones magazine, Jazz in Africa Media, and The Citizen. Their music has been played on KayaFm, YFM, SAFM, MetroFm, and PowerFM. Some of their notable body of work consists of 'A new Myth’, ‘Blacktax’ featuring the late Tshepo Tshola, Ubhuti Ontsundu with Okmalumekoolkat, Tolika Mtoliki produced by Matsuli music, a collaboration with Msaki on her song Anisixabisanga, and with Thandi Ntuli on the ‘Indaba is’ compilation. They have worked with, Mthunzi Mvubu, Steve and Bokani Dyer, Shabaka Hutchings, as well as Malcolm Jiyane. In 2022 they released their album She/He who feeds you under the London-based label Native Rebels. The collective embarked on a South African album tour which sold out in three of the major cities, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Later that year, the album toured Europe and the United Kingdom, playing at some major music festivals. Makongela sees music as a prayer and hopes that people can feel like they are not separate from that prayer. That feeling of oneness is important however brief it may be.

In addition to his studio work, Makongela has imprinted on various Johannesburg-based bands and musicians. He has arranged for choirs and orchestras. His music has been featured in films and series. He has performed with Zambian-born Towela, charismatic, Lilly Million, South African-born Melo, spoken word Artist Angelyric and Swazi-based Bholoja. He has composed and arranged for Lesotho-born Leomile, where he also features in her latest music video, FARO. Together with Leomile, he hosted a workshop at the Cape Town Jazz festival focussed on rhythm and words. Makongela has worked with Zuko collective, creating songs like ‘Letter to my brother’ and ‘Kalushi.’ As well as Phakisha which was the soundtrack for SABC’s Sisters of Soul. He travels in between being PG13’s lead guitarist and fill-in bassist, helping them with music directing and arranging.

Makongela has an EP out...