The Birth of Kwaai Jazz: Behind the Rise of Don Laka
Don Laka is celebrating 50 years at the forefront of the South African music industry. The legendary artist has achieved the unthinkable, having collaborated with some of the greatest South African music makers across all genres, pioneering Kwaito and Kwaai Jazz in the process.
To commemorate this milestone, Don Laka will embark on a tour across the length and breadth of the country to honour his illustrious career. It’s set to be an awe inspiring event, with Don’s 800 registered songs, 80 collaborations and recognitions, including a Grammy nomination with Hugh Masekela, showcased. Don has actively been involved in the elevation of South African arts, having fought for its presence in the airwaves and for quotas with Hugh Masekela and Mzwakhe Mbuli, even in the 90s.
Unbridled by genre, his albums, “Destiny” (1996), “Supernova” (1998), ”Pyramid”(2000),”Paradise and”Poison”, each boast more than 200,000 copies in sales, with multiple platinum awards to their name. His recent masterpieces “REFLECTIONS”, “PASSION” and “UNO MUN finish the article Such an astounding career, it’s easy to see why Don Laka is the subject of admiration and reverence across the country and beyond. He’s long embraced and adhered to a philosophy of effective adaptation, as displayed in his latest works.
The 10 new compositions feature renowned young artists, and is sure to captivate listeners with its songs of South African melodies, harmony, rhythm, and energy. Don continues to be an influence to the South African arts and music industry, having played an integral role in South Africa’s musical evolution as well as its industry.
Don Laka will go down in history as an artist of epic proportions. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the official tour dates of Don Laka’s Golden Jubilee tour. It is set to be an unforgettable event that you should not miss.