Babes Ndamase

(Babes) Ndamase from Cape Town, a drummer, music teacher, composer and arranger. I grew up in a jazz musical environment and I just fell in love with playing drums. I had a dream that one day I play with renowned musicians, tour South Africa, Africa and Internationally. 

I taught myself how to play drums and practiced for perfection so I could reach a professional level until I started playing first ever with Pheto band around my township, Nyanga East, and that eventually became a vehicle to navigate through my dream. 

Chasing my dream I later registered with the MAP school music of Art which was led by the late Duke Ngcukana. Then I joined BUWA Theatre Company where I worked with the late Mziwakhe,” bra Stix”, James Mdidimba. This institution helped me to enhance my experience as I would be sent to teach drums, and workshop in the plays that were staged in community centers.

In the 1980’s I became part of the Nyanga East art collective who ran the Nyanga Arts Centre. I played with number of bands both in Cape Town and in Johannesburg.

Experience in Music- I have played with Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Ezra Ngcukana including the brothers Fitzroy and Duke, bra Barney Rasthabane the late Pat Matshikiza, Jonas Gwangwa, Tshepo Tshola, Camagwini, Suthukazi Arosi, Khaya Mahlangu, Bheki Khoza, Tu Nokwe, Herby Tswayedi, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Abigail Khubeka, Dorothy Masuka, Feya Faku, Sydney Mnisi and the Mzansi Sings Ensemble by Victor Ntoni, Siphokazi, Eddie Grant, Patty Auston, Ray Phiri, Victor Ntoni.