Billy Monama
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Billy Monama is a South African guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, author, and educator known for his work preserving and promoting traditional South African guitar styles and heritage music. He is the founder and managing director of The Grazroots Project and has collaborated with numerous well-known South African artists, including Themba Mkhize, Abdullah Ibrahim, Andile Yenana, Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Ntoni, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Dorothy Masuka, and Abigail Kubeka.[1][2]
Early life and influences
[edit]Monama began playing the guitar from an early age influenced by traditional ethnic sounds, gospel, and jazz. He has released several recordings, including the album Brothers (with Andy Innes) in 2016, and Rebounce in October 2017. South African Cultural Observatory+1 In addition, Monama has produced tutorials and written books, such as Introduction to South African Guitar Styles Vol. 1 – “Five Decades of Ukuvamba (1930s-1980s)”, aimed at preserving guitar styles like maskanda, mbhaqanga, kwela, African jazz, and xiTsonga guitar playing.[3][4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Billy Monama". South African Cultural Observatory. Retrieved 2025-10-06.
- ^ Langa, Phumlani S. (2022-10-02). "Billy Monama's introduction to South African guitar style". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-06.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (2020-10-23). "Billy Monama launches SA guitar video series". Music In Africa. Retrieved 2025-10-06.
- ^ Ansell, Gwen (2020-05-06). "Billy Monama: stringing together South African guitar history". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-10-06.