Batsumi

Batsumi
  • Type: Band/Group
  • Country: South Africa
  • Born: 1972 in Soweto, South Africa
  • Active: 1972–1976

Biography

Batsumi were a Soweto jazz band formed in 1972, led by guitarist Johnny Masweswe Mothopeng with bassist Zulu Bidi and pianist Sello Mothopeng. Their two albums, 'Batsumi' from 1974 and 'Moving Along' from 1976, mix flute, tenor saxophone, traditional drums and vocals into spacious Afro-jazz shaped by Black Consciousness under apartheid. Reissued by #Matsuli Music#, the debut is now celebrated as a landmark South African recording.

Genres

Batsumi Discography

Members

  • Zulu Bidi - bass (1972–1976)
  • Johnny Masweswe Mothopeng - guitar, vocals (1972–1976)
  • Lancelot Sello Mothopeng - piano, organ (1972–1976)
  • Thabang Masemola - flute, traditional drums (1972–1976)
  • Themba Koyana - tenor saxophone (1972–1976)
  • Lekgabe Maleka - drums (1972–1976)
  • Buta-Buta Zwane - bongos, vocals (1972–1976)

Frequent Collaborators