basadi women of jazz

Based in Johannesburg

BASADI = Sotho word for Women. This group definitely proves sista’s are doing it for themselves! They’re a successful five piece women band that has laid a solid foundation in the South African music scene. Ever since its inception 10 years ago the band has proven that playing instruments and composing music is not exclusively a male domain. Basadi has shared the stage with the giants like Hugh Masekela, Letta & Caiphus Semenya, Miriam Makeba, Judith Sephuma and the late Brenda Fassie. The group’s music style ranges from “Phata-Phata” to Blues and Rock, all brought together in jazz.

BASADI'S STYLE

Basadi's style is diverse, rich and varied, taking you through South Arican favourites such as Phata-Phata, to Jazz standards, Blues and even Rock influences. Their music has been said to inspire dignitaries to dance and stamp their feet!

MEET THE BAND MEMBERS

Mabatho Masopha
Founder, Flautist, Lead Vocals & Backing Vocals

Founder and band leader, born and raised in Soweto from a musical family. Her Influence comes from her father, a jazz musician who played Saxophone and Drums. She played flute at an early age, her earliest performance being in her local church. After high school she went to Music College to complete a Music Diploma and later performed in the UK with her College Band. It was in the UK where she realized the unique quality of an all-female band was something she wanted to take home with her. Back in SA she worked with a number of bands before becoming fully involved with and leding Basadi Women of Jazz.

Dineo Masopha
Percussionist and backing vocals

Mabatho's elder sister Dineo studied singing with Marema Raseliso and also later drums and percussion. She received a bursary to study voice training and also attended various African Drum workshop and attended lessons with private tutors. The inspiration of sister Mabatho lead to her becoming the percussionist in Basadi Women of Jazz.

Bonnie Stark
Drummer and backing Vocals

Bonnie started playing drums at the age of 13 and was self-taught. Born into a musical family, her mom is a pianist, composer and tutor. After completing high school, she went on to study for her Bsc in Pretoria but continued with her music on a freelance basis. This is when she joined Basadi Women of Jazz.

Phuti Sepuru
Pianist and Backing Vocals

Born and raised in Gauteng, Phuti started piano lessons at the age of seven. After studying at the National School of Arts one of her piano teachers suggested auditioning for Basadi Women of Jazz, after which she became a permanent member of the band.

Sibongile Gwacela
Bass and backing Vocals

Originally from Durban, Sibongile's passion has always been playing the bass guitar. After playing in church and a number of local bands, she auditioned for Basadi Women of Jazz and never looked back!

ACHIEVEMENTS
in 2003 the band released their debut album Journey Ain't Through, which they recorded independently. This has set the standard for the band, leading to successful performances both locally and abroad. They have performed for former President Mandela, as well as representing South Africa at the Millennium Dome in London where they appeared live on BBC television. Other international performances include appearances for the King & Queen of Sweden, as well as the SA's 10 Years of Freedom Celebrations in Vienna, Stockholm, Slovenia, Slovakia, Pokand and Rwanda. The band also flew SA's flag high during the SA Human Rights Celebrations in Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Other performance highlights

- The Black Management Forum
- Government Communicators Awards
- Metro Rail Women's Development Launch
- Women of Sport Banquet
- Sowetan Women's Club
- 2003 Travel & Tourism Banquet
- World Aids Day
- ABSA / Barclays launch

Memorable collabrations
Basadi has shared the stage with the South African giants Hugh Masekela, Letta & Caiphus Semenya, Miriam Makeba, Judith Sephuma, the late Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa, among many others. Basadi performed live on the former Felicia show on ETV, Africa desk on SABC 2, Morning live, Motswako and Afro Cafe.