Wandile Molefe
Bio
Born in KwaZulu Natal, Lamontville, musical journey began as a child attending Durban Choral Choir competitions that my grandmother participated in. Musical theatre was also at the centre of my musical upbringing as my aunts and uncles were involved in productions such as ‘Sarafina’ and ‘Ipi Ntombi’. In 1998, family moved from Durban to Johannesburg and 2000 began formal piano lessons. Attended the National School of Arts where he matriculated and University of Cape Town study further and completed a degree in music.
In 2008 I moved back to Johannesburg to establish myself in the industry. Since moving I has worked with several artists as a pianist, composer and arranger. Artists such as Mlungisi Gegana, Herbie Tshoaeli, Sydney Mnisi, Feya Faku, Lwanda Gogwana, Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa Mazwai, Musa Manzini, Themba Mkhize, Orlando Venherenque, Judith Sephuma, Stimela, McCoy Mrubata, Sibongile Khumalo, Judith Sephuma, Lindiwe Maxolo, Billy Monama, SkyZoo, Stogie T, Melo B Jones, Mpho Sebina, Brenda Mtambo, Zarcia Zacheus, Nomfundo Xaluza, Linda Sikhakhane and many more. 2011 till present working in musical theatre around in South Africa for such The Pen, Kwela Bafana, Milked Voice and many more. 2013 was a finalist at the Samro overseas scholarship competition. Currently studying a MMus Masters Degree at the University of Witswatersrand in Research based on South African music of the 1950’s.
From 2015 to most recent has recorded albums such Rebounce – Billy Monama and McCoy Mrubata – Brasskaap session 3, numerous Urban Sessions and on WatchaTV Virtual Stage for local and global audiences with various artist such as the recently late Dr. Sibongile Khumalo, Lindiwe Maxolo, Nomfundo Xaluva and Hlulani Hlangwane. 2020 composed music for Lesedi: The Rise of Lulu Mlangeni, which is a thoughtfully choreographed documentary film
His compositional style comes various forms of music and spirituality found within the art. Influences deriving from Zulu traditional music, Township music, Marabi, Kwela, RnB, Hip Hop, Jazz, Gospel and World Music.