Musicians in South Africa

has amazed crowds around the country with his energy and stage personality. With a passion, his fantastic voice and effortless performance he’s is a party waiting to happen Pedro Barbosa was born in Maputo, and discovered his love for music at an early age. He only realised that he could turn this love into a career when he was 20 years old, when he left his studies of Pharmacy and Marine Biology to follow his passion. He obtained a National Diploma in Jazz, Performance and Sound Technology, and soon after went to Los Angeles where he studied Songwriting and Production Read more...

Rob Thompson is a talented blues rock guitarist and singer from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Known for his energetic performances and innovative sound, Thompson has been making waves in the South African music scene. After studying jazz and classical guitar at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Thompson’s musical talents expanded to include a variety of genres, such as Latin, flamenco, classic rock, rockabilly, folk, pop-rock, and classical Indian music. This versatility has allowed him to collaborate with a wide range of artists and groups. In 2011, at the age of 23, Thompson embarked on his first tour of the USA, showcasing Read more...

Classic Entertainment is a distinguished classical ensemble that elevates any event with their enchanting musical performances. Founded and led by Charlotte Grundling, an accomplished cellist from Port Elizabeth, this group of classically trained musicians brings an exquisite touch to weddings, parties, corporate events, and various celebrations. With a diverse selection of musicians at your disposal, Classic Entertainment offers a range of options for your musical needs. Whether you desire the elegance of a solo performance, the harmony of a duo, or the fullness of a trio act, they have you covered. Instruments such as the violin, cello, piano, and guitar Read more...

Mark Botha, seasoned musician, born and bred in the Eastern Cape, has performed on the pub circuit for over 2 decades. His influences are music from the 70 and 80’s, with the likes of Crowded house, Cat Stevens and ZZ Top to name a few. Mark is an avid electric guitarist and as he would say, ‘a not to bad drummer and piano player’. Mark is still seen performing at local pubs and restaurants, and always keeping the crowd entertained. go to all performers Read more...

Captivating Live Acoustic Entertainment For over two decades, Jonathan Muller (aka Jono) has captivated audiences across South Africa and abroad with his extraordinary talent as a singer and acoustic guitarist. Known for his percussive guitar style and charismatic stage presence, Jonathan delivers dynamic, heartfelt performances that resonate with audiences of all ages. Authentic Performance Style Jonathan’s approach to live entertainment is refreshingly authentic—he performs without backing tracks, relying instead on his guitar mastery and a loop pedal to create rich, layered sounds. With a repertoire of more than 700 songs, he reads the crowd with precision, tailoring each set to Read more...

A Passion for Performance Tarryn Light is a dynamic entertainer whose vibrant personality and commanding stage presence leave audiences laughing, crying, and fully immersed in every performance. With a lifelong love for singing and musical theatre, she has built a versatile career rooted in both passion and professional excellence. Training and Achievements Holding a Grade 7 in Music, Singing, and Performing Arts from Trinity College London, and a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Pretoria, Tarryn combines natural talent with rigorous training. She is a prominent figure in Port Elizabeth’s theatre community, serving on the committee of Read more...

Zelda Malan, a gifted violinist originally from Pretoria, now graces Gqeberha with her exceptional musical talent and passion. Known for combining technical mastery with heartfelt expression, Zelda leaves an indelible mark on every stage she performs. Her dedication to the violin has resulted in a career defined by versatility, passion, and artistry. Performance Highlights Zelda has performed with some of South Africa’s most esteemed ensembles, including: The Johannesburg Music Initiative The Johannesburg Festival Orchestra The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra Her performances have enchanted audiences in prestigious venues, including the Linder Auditorium, where she effortlessly blends classical masterpieces with contemporary hits. These Read more...

Gerard has played with two dance bands, “Cubans”, “Avenue Combo,” and three jazz bands including “Maiden Voyage”, “Feather” and the “Southern Sun Circuit band.” He has recorded with original rock fusion band, the “Genuines” for four albums (Goema, Mr Mac and the Genuines, Night with the Cape Gypsies, Chasing the Voodoo). Gerard has also played and recorded with Jennifer Ferguson and has travelled the world playing music. He has visited Germany, Holland, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Namibia. Gerard currently plays in a band he formed called “Gerard O’Brien and Friends” which features Gerard O’ Brien on guitar, Tom Russford Read more...

Damian Williams cut his teeth on the live music scene as a 14 year old, wide eyed novice, taking to the stage in Façade. This would birth lifelong friendships and seeds for future collaborations with the profoundly talented local musicians Lindey Schouw and Kendal Beadon. On a fateful afternoon in first year of his BSc, Damian’s friend David Pittaway said to him, “You play guitar, I play guitar, we should start a band!” and Parafanalia was born. Parafanalia took up residence in a shop space in Pier 14 at one point, serenading the ghosts of shoppers past till the shoppers Read more...

James Kibby started playing guitar while still at school and mostly played in church groups and youth meetings as well as in the high school rock band. While studying English and Drama at Natal University he started playing in coffee shops and restaurants, and it wasn’t long before deciding to do music full time. Relocating to Cape Town and doing almost one year of classical guitar at UCT, he was detained for political activities in 1984 and he quickly realized that the academic route wasn’t the way to go when it comes to music. go to all performers Read more...

Gareth recounts the origin of his dream: At 15 he was made to wait outside the pubs when musicians played because he wasn’t allowed inside. Driven by the kind of love that grows only in exclusion, he played his first gig at the age of 16. The first song he wrote was for his daughter, Gabi, who introduced him to country in the innocence of her youth. Read more...

Black Velvet is a 2 piece duo (Husband and Wife, Sean and Jacqui Lategan) which began in 2008, originally based in East London and now based in Port Elizabeth since 2012, with more than 10 years’ experience, Black Velvet offers dynamic vocals, electric guitar and keyboard with Backing Tracks accompaniment. Black Velvet offer live music entertainment for any event or function, including Corporate Functions, Birthday Parties and Weddings as well as music for Sports Clubs, Bars, Pubs and Restaurants. Black Velvet is fast becoming known as a 70’s and 80’s Cover Band playing a wide variety of popular music that Read more...

Go The Rodeo are from the western outskirts of Johannesburg and their current lineup consists of Corne van Niekerk (vocals, guitar) and Craig Atkinson (drums). Corné and Robert Mitchley formed the duo after having done various music projects together. In the beginning of 2017 they emerged with a fresh sound, and were joined by Craig Atkinson, drummer for the electronic/post-hardcore band, Bombs and Issues. Robert would later leave the band in 2020 due to personal reasons. Read more...

South African born, adult contemporary singer, Wendy Oldfield, born in Cape Town in February 1964. At the age of nineteen, she formed the rock group The Sweatband, where she was the lead vocalist. And released two albums. For a short while she was involved with the band Mondetta (1999–2001), with Steve Newman, Julia Kim, Gito Baloi and Elad Neeman. They released their debut album Small World, and performed to packed houses at venues around South Africa, before releasing her fifth album Holy Water. At the ninth official South African Music Awards she received a nomination for the Best of Adult Read more...

Kobus Gouws is a seasoned musician from Port Elizabeth who plays electric guitar and performs as a one-man band or as a party duo at with his daughter, Karla Gouws. Read more...

Neil Grundlingh has being playing around SA since the 70’s in many forms of styles and combinations. First recordings done in the 70’s with a band called Bishop….then moved to Jhb to gig in night clubs in Hillbrow and surrounding areas…recorded again in the Just Ginger studios in Midrand and moved back to my home town…PE….started performing and jamming with a lot of the local PE musos and am loving being back here as we know PE seems to be the nucleus of a lot of the great music. go to all performers Read more...

The ensemble comprises a Saxophonist, a Cellist, a Pianist and a Percussionist. With a healthy mix of Jazz and Classical training, the ensemble composes and arranges music that touches on elements and or themes from both these mainstream genres mixed in with a touch of pop culture and African rhythms and sounds creates this mash of beautiful, soulful and soothing music that touches the soul. The idea behind Jacaranda Muse, both in name and in practice, was to move away from playing a type of music that could be labeled as either this or that. The idea was to just Read more...

Blaze Jazz Band, originating from Port Elizabeth formed in 2005 and comprises of members; Lee Anne Wales on vocals; Enrico Damons on vocals; Saki Nompozolo on Drums; Curtis K on Saxophone; Mzwanele Maqhosha on Keyboard and Thembani Khubashe on Bass Guitar. This popular, energetic band has performed with the cream of South African jazz musicians and has been a regular feature on the Eastern Cape festival scene and events, such as the Ebubeleni Music Festival, IsiXhosa Festival and the National Arts Festival. Having versatility and flair, the band members have on occasion collaborated with musicians from abroad visiting Nelson Mandela Read more...

From early teens Alasdair Gillies musical influences were anything from Cliff Richard and the Shadows, to the Everly Brothers and Rock and Roll. He started playing guitar at 16 when his influences then were the new Folk and Folk Rock era, Dylan, the Byrds, Donovan, Then came to the forefront with Blues with Eric Clapton and the John Mayall’s  Bluesbreakers. Jimi Hendrix also became one of his obsessions. So as a novice guitarist he dabbled a bit in all these areas. go to all performers Read more...

Growing up with creative parents, Werner joined his father on the road at an early age – music was ingrained into his existence. He went on to study Music at the Campus of Performing Arts and has since written music for various artists, as well as for film. In 2015, he independently recorded and released his debut EP, Lalaith, followed by A Northern Summer in 2017. That same year his internationally acclaimed single ‘Run’ was selected to be part of the BalconyTV compilation CD. Werner has shared a stage with major South African acts, including Shortstraw, Man as Machine, The Read more...

CAROLINE SWART – I live in South Africa, in a quaint coastal city called Port Elizabeth. After leaving school, I joined a pop band, touring casinos as a professional singer for three years. Once the tour ended, I studied software development, eventually obtaining a BSC Computer Science degree. To earn extra cash as a teenager, I worked at a toy store, a drive-inn theatre, and a horse racing track. go to all performers Read more...

JoAsh Jazz Band Jazz Band – Joash started playing the piano when he was 13 years old. 2 years later he started playing the flute and a few years after that he took up the clarinet. In 2010 took up the saxophone, started with the alto and took up the tenor and soprano sax I have been playing music for the last 8 years now and there is not one day that goes by that I am not grateful for having music as my passion. In 2010, in my Grade 10 year; I passed my flute Grade 8 practical exam Read more...

Prior to this, she studied Music Performance & Music business, followed by a 4-year stint working abroad as a Music Director on board cruise ships. Here she was heavily influenced by musicians from all over the world which equipped her for the rollercoaster ride of a music career she is currently experiencing! go to all performers Read more...

Mandisa Sishi was born on 17 December 1959, Manisa Sishi grew up in Eastern Pondoland, Lusikisiki where her father served as a Missionary, a Pastor in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. As one of the founder members of the Joy Bells Singers, a Mixed Voices Group of the Seventh Day Adventists in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape., they recorded two Albums in 1981 and 1982 at the SABC Studios in Johannesburg. In 2011 Mandisa held a Concert in Pinetown where she worked with the Jazz Band. This is where she realised that she needed to focus on developing her music Read more...