Madala Kunene

The son of carpenter and a victim of apartheid's brutal policy o forced remval, Madala Kunene's musical career started as basking on Durban’s beach-front. His first guitar made from cooking oil tin and fish gut for the strings, soon becoming a popular performer in the townships. Since this humble start he has played with the likes of Hugh Maseleka, Winston Ngozi and Busi Mhlongo and has released an album "1959" (among others), which reflects on his experiences. Come and hear the reflective but forceful Kunene live at the Athletic Club and Social.

“Music is the best medium to record and tell history. As African people, the way we know and understand our past is very influenced by music,” Kunene says. “So if I can add one layer of context that can help in understanding this period in our history, then that is great.”

The album “1959” was co-produced and engineered by Marius Botha and Neil Snyman. It started out as a simple acoustic guitar and voice project but as soon as Madala’s many friends learned that he was busy recording in his own backyard things took on a life of their own. An outpouring of love for Bafo followed with everyone wanting to bring his or her love for Bafo to this project. Madala gratefully acknowledges the many appearances of friends amongst others Lu Dlamini, Bra Hugh Masekela, Sthembiso Hlela, Max Lässer, Vishen Kemraj, Sazi Dlamini, Steve Newman, Guy Buttery, Bernard Mndaweni, Paki Peloeole, Eric Duma, Sihlanga Zulu, Mdu Magawaza, Njeza Dlamini, Zamo Mbutho, Sipho Nxumalo & Smanga Ngubane.