South African Jazz in the 1930s. Re-legendising the Jazz Maniacs

Picture: Wilson 'Kingforce' Silgee
Photographer: © Bob Gosani. Baileys Archive

When it comes to trends and popular culture, the first cheeseburger (1934) and Zippo lights (1932) were amongst other things emerging around the world in the 30s. In South Africa, jazz bands were also growing in popularity. By the early 1930s jazz bands like the Jazz Maniacs and Merry Blackbirds were playing to wide acclaim. The Jazz Maniacs – who were probably the most popular band - developed an exciting synthesis of jazz, swing and local melody known as Marabi.

Marabi music is one of the biggest musical influences for a generation of musicians like pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (former Dollar Brand), trumpeter Hugh Masekela, trombonist Jonas Gwangwa and saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi, who were prominent in the 50s and are still big acts the world over, except for the late Kippie. These four greats along with bassist John Gertze and drummer Makhaya Ntshoko were the Jazz Epistles in the 50s when Jazz was the new order of the day in the South African music scene. Kippie Moketsi’s was honored with a legendary Jazz venue in Joburg named after him, run by artist, Sipho Hotsitx Mabuze, who’s also a popular international South African name and has been on top of his game for the last three decades. The popular underdog jazz venue was a popular spot for years until its sad closure in 2007.

The Jazz Maniacs were formed in 1933 by pianist ‘Zulu boy’ Cele who had learnt piano from listening to Shebeen entertainers in the slums of Johannesburg. Wilson ‘King Force’ Siligee took over the leadership of the band 10 years later when Cele was murdered. The Merry Blackbirds, lead by saxophonist Peter Rezant – who was also known as ‘Mr Music’ and was M.C at big shows – played American covers such as Duke Ellington’s and was one of the most exalted and well-dressed bands. The Jazz Revellers were also some of the popular jazz bands of the 30s. This era is the roots of African jazz, a genre and culture that is still very live today and constantly evolving thanks to new talent and legendary artists who have been active for decades.

- Extract from the book ‘Contemporary African Music’: Buy the book here