Louis Mhlanga
Biography
Louis Mhlanga, the "African Axe Man", is another in a long line of excellent Zimbabwean guitarists. Better known today for his work with South African stars, he is sometimes mistaken for a South African guitarist. Although his career is currently fuelled south of the border, Mhlanga has had a lasting effect on Zimbabwean music.
His lengthy career began in the 1970s. Fronting many bands on the domeestic scene, Mhlanga mixed American and Zimbabwean influences into his music. Mhlanga became reknowned for his guitar skills, and worked with Zimbabwean acts such as Shaka, Talking Drum, Ilanga, Mudzimu, and the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi. Louis eventually headed to South Africa to pursue different musical opportunities, leading to collaborations with artists such as Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Sipho Mabuse, Mlunhgisi Gegane, and Busi Mhlongo. Mhlanga returned to Zimbabwe in 1997 to record Musik Ye Afrika with bassist Jimmy Indi and drummer Iethro Shasha. Louis has recorded two solo albums to date.
Mhlanga is a man of many hats. Not only a performer, Louis is a reknowned producer. He has produced albums by Thomas Mapfumo, Nigerian King Sunny Ade, South African musician Vusi Mahalasela, and many other artists. A former director of musical theatre, Mhlanga also ran Zimbabwe's Ethnomusicology Trust, where he was handed the task of developing national teaching programmes for traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean music. He also spent a year in the Netherlands. As the musician-in-residence at the Royal Dutch Conservatory of Music, Mhlanga taught African guitar courses and eventually recorded an album with bassist Eric Van Der Westen. He recently appeared on Dutch jazz pianist Martin Fondse's latest album, singing an African poem.
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