Unboxing Don Laka’s Powerful Artistry – 50 Years of Music Success
South Africa’s music industry has always been bolstered by a wealth of talent, but few can match the legendary Don Laka. The Kwai Jazz maestro, undoubtedly one of the greatest musical icons in South African history, has just completed a 50 year journey of musical production, composition, collaboration, achievement and innovation.
To celebrate this incredible milestone, Don is embarking on a nationwide Golden Jubilee tour during which he will be highlighting and openly celebrating all of his remarkable achievements. In the past five decades, Don has become a fixture in South African music, bridging the gap between generations and styles of music to create something truly special.
His incredible productions have earned more than 80 platinum awards and 800 registered songs, including a Grammy nomination for his work with Hugh Masekela. Most notably, he’s also the only artist in South Africa to have pioneered two unique musical genres: Kwaito and Kwaai Jazz. A driving force in the arts, Don has fought for South African music to dominate the airwaves and for quotas to be respected. It is no coincidence that bands such as Brothers of Peace, Boom Shaka and Sakhile have seen success – Don has been a huge part in helping to complete “Reflections”,”Passion” and “Uno Mundo” from 1996. His latest masterpieces are a testament to his mastery as a pianist, composer, arranger and producer.
On the albums, he brings together some of the country’s best young talent to seamlessly blend traditional, classical, modern and all that jazz for a soul-drenched, uniquely South African experience.
Don’s music career began in 1976, as he sang and played bass guitar for a band called The Flood. While the apartheid-era meant Don couldn’t attend the Pretoria Conservatoire, it did nothing to dampen the musician’s enthusiasm – he continued to pursue his craft while working at a local grocery store during the day. By the 1990s, Don was actively creating albums, producing other artists and touring around the world. He formed an independent record label, Kalawa Jazzmee, which is now considered the first successful black record company in South Africa, producing and marketing its own product and some of the most popular music in the country.
These days, the loveable artist holds seminars and lectures on the issue of quality and standards of South African music. Keep your eyes peeled for a UK tour in October this year to be announced!