By Saul Molobi
Simply one of the greatest jazz guitarists in South African music history, Lepotane Thomas Mokomane, professionally known as Dr Mobe, is an amazing versatile musician whose adept skills find him crossing easily between genres. He was born from a musical family in the rural village of Ga – Matlala Ramoshebo in Dennilton, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
His late father bought him a folk acoustic guitar and he started as a self-taught guitarist playing mbacanga and fusion. By the age of 15, Dr Mobe formed a group called Samora Band. The band played at weddings, traditional ceremonies and private parties in the neighbourhood.
Dr Mobe‟s earliest inspiration was listening to traditional folk songs sung at traditional ceremonies and rituals. He is a singer, songwriter, composer, producer and performer. He is perhaps best known as a guitarist, but he also plays several other instruments and he is a capable voice-over artist.
In 1986, he teamed up with Samson Malefo, Satisfied Nkholi and Lemon Maredi to form another group called The Respectors. The band was signed by Tusk Music, releasing their debut album titled “Woza Weekend,” produced by John Moriri.
1989 saw Dr Mobe moving to Johannesburg where he did recording sessions on various projects, before releasing his debut solo album titled “Murandziwa” in 1995.The album was released by VMP Productios. He appeared on a television program called Coca Cola Full Blast competition with the likes of Thebe, Jack Knife, Buda James and the group Tananas.
He did voice-overs on a road safety awareness campaign for Thobela fm. He also worked with Claude King on the sound track of a drama series called “Badira Mmogo ” in which he translated and performed the theme song. He went on to appear in a documentary film The Bunny Chow, alongside David “Oom Bolo ” Meyers. The film was shot at Kliptown , produced by Red Pepper films.
Dr Mobe attended music workshops conducted by USA-based singer Vanessa Rubin, George Benson and Earl Klugh, as well as by South African musicians such as Bruce Cassidy, the late Sophie Mgcina and the late Thabang Masemola. He went on to share stages with the likes of Don Laka, the late Jabu Khanyile of Bayete, Tidal Waves, USA-based Malian singer, Billie Starr, Khabonina Qhubeka, Andy Maggas, Ntsiki Mazwai and Mr Selwyn. Together with Kgomotso Mathebe, he performed at the Miss Soweto Teen 2009 finals held at Walter Sisulu Square hall in Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa.
*** The jazz maestro relaxing with On the other pic I am with Lloyd Rathebe from the world acclaimed theatrical production, “The Lion King” ***
His diverse style led him to work with musicians like Kenny Mathaba of Ozila, Esta M, Pappa Makhene of Blondie and Pappa fame, Johny Mokhali, the late Masike Funky Mohapi of Harari, the late Charles “ Babas ” Ndlovu of Stimela and bands such as Twi-Lites and Volcano.
He appeared in the Pace magazine where his album “Murandziwa” was reviewed by Joe Khumalo. He went on to appear in the Daily Sun newspaper where he was profiled by Giyani Shivambu. He appeared again in the Daily Sun newspaper together with David Dott, the late Sista Ites and Psalm 133, where he was profiled by Phumzile Twabu. He also appeared in the Pimville Urban News newspaper, where he was profiled by Lebo Mosolodi.
Dr Mobe‟s new album “Living My Dream,” is a collection of 14 original jazz, world music and African traditional folk songs that transport you to another place. Every song on this album unfolds magnificently. His finesse with the guitar is the lyrics that guide you through the stories. He creates adventure in his music. He is able to let the music tell a story words would never be able to do.
His songs have that soulful tinge, married beautifully with a bit of jazz, world music and traditional African folk melodies. While fans are obviously gaga for his hit single “Sankofa”, he explores an array of sentiments with unrestrained passion.
Other songs to look out for in his new album include; Letsema la Bopedi, African Wedding, Thunthwane, Nkatanga, Seponono, Badisha, Bana ba Kgwale, Re thabile, Cry Freedom, Life, Ntsakiso, Badimo and Phaahla Mmakadikwe.
If not in the studio busy recording new material, Dr Mobe spends time rehearsing with his backing band. He spends more time perfecting his graft, simply because he has lot of respect for his loyal fans and music lovers in general. He founded his independent record label Mobe Music Entertainment, as well as Mobe Music Studios. His record label boasts artists such as Dr Mobe, WetKis, Zulu Vegan, Dj Mox, MoGirl, Mr Funk, Soweto Jazz Band and Kliptown Gospel Choir.
He has already signed a worldwide distribution deal with a leading online music distribution company. The album is now available for sale, download and streaming on all digital music outlets. Soon, Dr Mobe will be doing a 10-city promotional tour of South Africa, in support of the new release, followed by the continental tour and finally, the world tour.
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Catch Dr Mobe this Sunday on Sunset Serenade” on Chai 101.9 FM (or stream live from www.chaifm.com