Grassroots

It all began as a series of jams at Southern Cross Studios in Observatory, Jo'burg. The first was with the late Gito Baloi (bass/vocals), Dave Reynolds (steelpan/additional instruments) and Chris Tokalon (flute/saxophone). From the jams, three tunes emerged - "Shimishweni", "Mpumalanga" and "Spirit's Dance" and a whole new sound. Enter some of the finest talents on the contemporary African scene: world-class guitarist/vocalist Louis Mhlanga, bassman/vocalist Concord and vocalist/trombonist Siya Makuzeni. A few jams later and the project GRASSROOTS is born. The first album, "African Moods" continues in the spirit of those first few jams - a collaboration of highly skilled artists exploring new landscapes and textures, embracing everything from ancestral roots elements to the present and looking deep into the future. Gained three South African Music Award nominations including best duo/group and best adult contemporary African, sold out premier shows at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the ground-breaking video "Emakhaya", a hit single on "the African Top Ten" on South African radio Kaya FM, a Xitsonga Music Award nomination on Munghana Lonene radio in South Africa, and a documentary entitled "Fresh Sounds from Southern Africa". Personnel: Louis Mhlanga (guitar & vocals) Dave Reynolds (steelpans & additional instruments) Concord (Bass & vocals) Jeff Maluleke (vocals & chants) Siya Makuzeni (vocals & trombone) Gito Baloi (Bass, vocals & chants) Sello Montwedi (drums) Kathy Van Rensburg (vocals) Sam Mataure (drums) Chris Tokalon (flute, sax, vocal effects, chants) Koffi (Bass & vocals) William Mudau (Kalimba) Ronan Skillen (digeridoo)