I was born in Storomo and raised in Mamelodi ya Tshwane, South Africa. I was born a drummer, and learned to master my instruments through countless hours observing, participating, practicing, and making rhythms, and by making the drums themselves, to fully understand their capabilities.
I am of the BaPedi people, known for their versatility in music and instrumentation. Among my mentors, Tshidi, Kasi, and Lefes were especially important in impressing upon me not only technique and particular rhythms and music, but also a deep seriousness and ethics.
I grew up under the apartheid system and worked to see it dismantled. These struggles frame my music, and my soul. I have been playing music since I was in my mother's womb, because my mother was a traditional dancer. I danced, even before I was born.
I have been playing music, both traditional and traditionally-inspired, for more than 40 years. I am accomplished in both the making and playing of Alkebulan (African) drums, Stolotolos (mouth harps), dipelas (kalimbas), nakas, flutes, sekeres and makhoyanes (bowed instruments with gourd resonators). I am also a sculptor and painter.
I have toured throughout Africa, Europe, and the United States as a performer and teacher. My tours have also included exhibitions of my sculpture, paintings, and musical instruments.
I am committed to the traditional music and culture of my Azanian (South African) people, and yet I am drawn to explore new territories, to ensure that our music, our voices and our histories be heard and known and understood
Selected Recent Performing
1999-2001 Musician and performer (selected only: performances and workshops): Kimmel Center (Phila.), Lafayette University (Easton, PA), Community College of Philadelphia (Phila), Knitting Factory (NY), Nimes Festival Le Printemps de Jazz (France), Grenoble Festival de Musique (France), Amiens Jazz Festival (France), Turquie Istanbul Jazz Festival (Turkey), Suisse Stansei Music Festival (Switzerland), Cully Lavaux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), 1199C Labor Union (Phila.), Spazia Jazz Festival (Italy), Riverbend Environmental Center (Gladwynne, PA), Zambezi @ No Moore (NY), University of Pennsylvania (PA), Crimson Moon Coffee House (Phila.), Montgomery County College (PA), Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, and performer and musical director for Pan-African Ensemble, for Philadelphia Folklore Project "Philly Dance Africa" events, as well as numerous workshops.
1992 Musical director & musician, Afrika Omode, Enthronement Ceremony of Queen Mother Nana Akufor
1979-present Musical director & founder, Dikoma Aesthetics
Selected Recent Teaching
2000-01.1 Friere Charter School, Leeds Middle School, Newcomer Center/South Philadelphia High School (10+ week residencies)
2000-01 Neshaminy High School (PA), Newtown Friends School
1999-00 Barratt Middle School (10 + week residency)
1997-98 Master teacher, African percussion, apprenticeships funded by PCA
1991-97 Instructor of African percussion: Community Education Center, Community College, Allens Lane Art Center (all in Philadelphia, PA)
1991-96 Creator, coordinator & instructor, "African Drums, History and Cultural Traditions", Philadelphia Prison Society, Philadelphia, PA
1992-present Artist in the Schools roster, PCA, Arts in Education program
Selected Commissions
1992 Traditional African ceremonial drums consecrated at the Temple of Maat, Delaware
Selected Grants and Awards
2001 PA Council in the Arts Preserving Diverse Cultures Grant, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance 5-County Arts Grant
1999 Pew Fellowship in the Arts
1997-8 PA Council on the Arts Master Artist, Apprenticeship grants
1996 Special recognition from U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah for community service, Philadelphia
Selected Recordings
2001 Medicine for the Wicked (Setlhare sa Baloyi). CD recording. Produced and recorded by Mogauwane Mahloele
1999 Mastery & Mystique of Mogauwane Mahloele: Tshea o kwe. CD recording. Produced and recorded by Mogauwane Mahloele
1997 Your Drum is the Drum You Will Make. 10 minute video. Produced by the Philadelphia Folklore Project
1995 Instructor & principal musician, Birth of a Drum, music from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, aHHa Records
Other recordings in progress: Drummer's Path, Music of South Africa
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