Allen Kwela

Allen Kwela ( born September 11, 1939 in Chesterville in Durban, † 30 June 2003 in Johannesburg) was a South African guitarist who initially was one of the pioneers of modern jazz Kwelamusik and later played. With Philip Tabane he is one of the most influential guitarists of the South African scene.

Life and work

Kwela, whose older brothers played guitar and violin, grew up as a cowherd and tinkered own instruments to make music. In the early 1950s he moved to Johannesburg, where he soon appeared with Spokes Mashiyane and 1954 together some of the early Kwela hits recorded, partly composed by him. In the late 1950s he turned to jazz and played regularly in Dorkay House, with about Kippie Moeketsi, Barney Rachabane and Duke Makasi. He was also involved in 1970 Dennis Mpales tribute album for Early Mabuza. 1972 appeared to be the Soul Jazz verpflichtetes, rehearsed with an octet album Allen's Soul Bag. On recording his next album The Unknown (1984 ) of such diverse artists as The Angels and Darius Brubeck were involved. In 1998, he took with musicians like Sibongile Khumalo, Barney Rachabane and Vusi Khumalo Album The Broken Strings of Allen Kwela on which nominated in the category " Best Album in contemporary jazz " for the South African Music Award, but partly also mistakenly called his debut album was designated.

Kwela also taught guitar at Carleton University and the Université du Québec. He died of an asthma attack.

Disco Graphical Notes

• The Best of Allen Kwela ( with, among others, Darius Brubeck, Pat Matshikiza, Sibongile Khumalo )