West Nkosi

West Nkosi ( born 1940 in Nelspruit, South Africa as John Hlongwane, † 8 October 1998) was a South African saxophonist of township jazz, music producer and songwriter. He has the transition from Kwelamusik to Mbaqanga vital contribution by.

Life and work

Nkosi went as a teenager to Pretoria, where he at the Pretoria Power Boys, an early Kwelaband, played penny whistle. In 1956 he moved to Johannesburg, where he worked briefly in the ensemble of Spokes Mashiyane. He switched to alto saxophone and soon became a studio musician for Gallo Records. Since the 1960s, he recorded under his own name; Nick Moyake played for a time in his group. From the studio ensemble he formed the Makgona Tsohle band, The Mahotella Queens, and later Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens (until 1991 ) accompanied them, but also their own recordings grossed. His composition 2 Mabone became a hit in South Africa in the 1970s.

Nkosi was at that time already producer of the Gallo - sublabels Mavuthela Music, for which he built the choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo and its sound much designed; the 22 he produced albums all reached the choir in South Africa Gold status. He was also involved in Paul Simons Graz Eland tour. In the 1990s he produced Phuzekemisi and Joe Mifela, but played one more album under his own name, which was respected internationally by critics. He died as a result of a car accident.

Disco Graphical Notes

• Rhythm of Healing: Supreme Sax and Penny Whistle Township Jive (1992 )
• Sixteen Original Sax Jive Hits. Vol 1
• Sixteen original Jive hits. Vol 2