The African Guitar Masters
LUCKY RANKU, guitar/vocals
KARI BANNERMAN, guitar/vocals
ABDUL TEE-JAY, guitar/vocals
JOSEPH MASOJA HLENGETWA, bass
WESLEY GIBBENS, drums
The African Guitar Masters bring together the great guitarists in African music today. South African Lucky Ranku, Ghanaian Kari Bannerman and Sierra Leonian Abdul Tee-Jay are part of the generation of musicians who shaped African music as it is today.
This unique collaboration features original music that comes from their musical legacy which covers township jive, hi-life, Soukous, Afrobeat and blues. Their interlocking guitar riffs strip down the township jive, the rumba and hi-life as well as the blues to create something that is totally their own. Their captivating melodies, their joyful voices and their catchy rhythms and their intricate fret work reminds you of a cool night in Soweto, a frantic night in Accra or a lazy evening in Lagos as well as echoing the blues of the war torn Freetown, Kinshasa and other trouble spots in Africa.
LUCKY RANKU
South African Lucky Ranku is arguably Africa 's greatest guitarist. He rose to fame with Malombo Jazz in the 60s. He was a long standing member of Julian Bahula's Jabula then a leading member of Dudu Pukwana's Zila, as well as leading his own bands. His brilliant style makes him a much sought after musician. He has collaborated with the likes of Mike Oldfield, Hugh Masekela, Johnny Dyani, Jonas Gwangwa, Chris McGregor, Louis Moholo, and many more.
He has starred in many music festivals, TV and Radio Programs and appeared on many of the world’s greatest stages including Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall. He can also be heard on the soundtrack of the film "Cry Freedom". Lucky Ranku has released over 12 albums as a leader and featured in over 80 records as a guest guitarist. Lucky Ranku leads THE AFRICAN JAZZ ALLSTARS, TOWNSHIP EXPRESS and acts as the musical director for THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOSPEL SINGERS.
KARI BANNERMAN
Ghanaian Alfred Kari Bannerman is Ghana ’s leading guitarist and one of Ghana ’s favorite musicians. He came to prominence in the 70s with the super group “BOMBAYA” which dominated Ghanaian music with their fusion of hi-life and Afrobeat. In 1980 he joined the legendary Afro-rock group, OSIBISA with whom he recorded many of their great albums. In Ghana he has recorded over 30 albums and featured in many recordings by some of Africa's great musicians. Kari is also a member of THE AFRICAN JAZZ EXPLOSION and NANA TSIBOE’S SUPER HI-LIFE BAND.
ABDUL TEE-JAY
Sierra Leonian Abdul Tee-Jay is a remarkable musician. He was responsible for many changes in Sierra Leonian’s music when he introduced electric guitar and the wha wha sound to the local acoustic music . He also funked up the music with riffs that are influenced by the sounds of James Brown and Earth Wind and Fire. Abdul Tee-Jay has released six albums as a leader and featured in many recordings of other African artists. Abdul Tee-Jay leads his own band, ROKOTO which fuses hi-life with palm wine music, jazz and funk.
The AFRICAN GUITAR MASTERS are backed by a bassist and a drummer
See also: The African JazzAllstars, The South African Gospel Singers
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