Don Laka
Donald Mahwetša Laka (born 15 December 1958 in Mamelodi, Pretoria), professionally known as Don Laka, is a South African jazz musician, pianist, songwriter, music producer and entrepreneur.[1] He is co-founder of Kalawa Jazzmee and owner of Bokone Music. Bra' Don is interviewed in the documentary SHARP SHARP! - the kwaito story (2003), where he discusses his role in developing the dance music form known as kwaito.
“Invitation” to the Soul of a Man
2014 marks a 42-year crescendo of artistic discovery and reinvention, against the opulence of career highlights and accolades for one of South Africa’s revered musical icons.
A student, teacher, producer, artist, composer, engineer, and executive, Don Laka, is a connoisseur of note, with a platinum sales track record that speaks volumes of a man who has achieved mastery of a vision unfolding.
Amidst the medley of voices that are unique to South Africa, his is amplified by the rebellious streak that has seen him, single-handedly strike a chord with the young and not so young to build the Kwaai-Jazz brand - an eclectic fusion of classical, traditional, modern and all that jazz; creating a soul-drenched, uniquely South African experience that has enthralled hordes of enthusiasts across the Country and many parts of the world.
Like so many venerated icons in their respective disciplines, Laka’s career is a testament to the relentlessness of the rising Don, without fail.
He continues to be an instrument to the evolution of the South African music industry and a growing voice in the Diaspora. He is a visionary, a strategist, and Technician unbound by symphonic ribbons that tie the essence of his artistic soulscape.
He aptly states: “I have taken the ‘scary’ out of jazz and made it accessible to everyone”.’so the next journey is to do likewise to classical music and African music’
Boasting six, multiple platinum award albums under his belt as an artist, the Don’s latest, masterpiece “AFRO CHOPIN” is an all-access-pass to the soul of a man possessed. Its audacity challenges the distance that even the brave dare not go.
Featuring more than 10 renowned Chopin’s compositions, this project is one of the grandest Afro/Classical to emerge in our recent history meriting a unique and yet astute resemblance to the daring undertakings of the likes of Herbie Hancock and Miles Davies.
The concept, which was conceived in1995, only came into fruition this year, amidst a spectacle of artists who continue to add to the vibrancy of his music..
The selection, of the music on the cd was inspired by the simplicity it landed itself to the visionary manipulation of the melody,harmony and rhythm, by the man himself.Laka’s musical prowess as a pianist,arranger and producer in this album, exploits his range in crafting stylistically different expressions, that border a myriad of realms presented by the guest artists, whilst capturing each voice’s authenticity with panache including his own.
”I have managed to capture the spirit of South African singers like Meriam Makeba,Dorothy Masuka and Thandie Klaasen who’s vocal melodies are distinct.”
Like Chopin who was influenced by female voices,Mr Laka’s solo’s are also influenced by those giant South African Mbaqanga voices.
His approach to music and business is enveloped by a consciousness that transmutes conformity in order to adapt to the ever-changing environment that demands foresighted excellence. Thus, the multiplicity of skills he has acquired in his musical journey is reflected in his works, complementing creativity with technique, earning him ovations long after the curtains have rolled_ for the Don has yet to take a bow.
A Legacy On Record
Previous albums "Destiny" (1996) ,"Supernova" (1998), ”Pyramid” (2000), ”Paradise and ”Poison” have each sold more than 100,000 copies, winning gold and then multiple platinum awards. Former “Destiny” demonstrated a resonance with a wide audience because it was the first instrumental album in South Africa to exceed gold status.
Memoirs of the Don
Don Laka was born in 1958 Mamelodi, Tshwane. He was the first child in a family of five. In 1969, he formed his first band and made his first recording in 1972, which featured Ray Phiri who’s Played a major role on Paul Simon’s Graceland as a co,composer and guitarist.
As one of South Africa’s most innovative contemporary artists and producers, it’s hard to believe Don Laka's career began back in the politically volatile days of 1976. In that year, Don was playing bass and singing backing vocals for a group called The Flood, which enjoyed a huge hit with "Let Me Into Your Life", selling a staggering 320 000 units.
Don’s prodigious talent for everything ,turned his hand to see him enroll in the Royal School of Music, ultimately earning his Grade 8 on the classical guitar and obtaining his licentiate in
high school music teaching in 1979. He would have pursued music further, but apartheid laws prevented him from enrolling at the Pretoria Conservatoire. Not to be defeated, Don continued to pursue music whilst working as a clerk in a grocery store.
From 1980 to 1981, he joined the Afro fusion group, Sakhile that was formed by Sipho Gumede and Khaya Mahlangu. The group revolutionized South African music, and set a trend for groups like Bayete.
He played with many South African notables such as Joy, Brenda Fassie, Sipho Mabuse and Sankomota.
Don recorded his first big hit with a group called "Umoja" before moving on to form his own British-rock influenced band, "Ymage". The group performed together for ten (10) years and recorded no less than 12 Albums. In that decade, Don had an album produced by Tony Visconti (Bowie, T Rex) who passed on much of his knowledge to Don, allowing him to explore new territory as a producer and arranger.
In the 90s, after a stint living in Germany and playing in a South African Jazz/mbhaqanga band, Don formed an independent record label, Kalawa Jazzmee and was the production and arranging force behind the likes of Brothers of Peace and Boom Shaka. Don soon began recording solo projects and producing other artists.
His songs and piano playing proved to be popular with other musicians, who asked him to write, produce or perform on their records.
In 1990, Don began writing big orchestral arrangements for Sibongile Khumalo. She performed his songs at notable venues such as the National Symphony Orchestra of South Africa. In 1991, he also collaborated with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Rebecca Malope.
In the late nineties, Don’s solo career was given a substantial boost with the release of Destiny, a fusion of hip-hop, traditional African rhythms, classical music and pop that saw Don playing drums, bass, guitar, piano and soprano Sax.
Two more equally acclaimed albums, “Supernova” and “Pyramid” followed the successful album.
His career blossomed further by producing and performing with artists such as Ray Phiri, Brenda Fassie, Sipho Mabuse, Mango Groove, Johnny Clegg and Maz amongst others. He is now regarded as one of South Africa’s Premier producers.
Laka attests that the highlight of his producing career was producing Hugh Masekela’s recent albums “Black to the Future” and “Sixty” where he combined the latest rhythms without neglecting the music that created Masekela’s endless pool of loyal fans. He’s latest production of Hugh Masekela’s ‘Jabulani’,has earned them a Grammy 2013 nomination for the best world music CD.
Indeed, his participation in the album earned him FNB South African Music Award nomination as Best Producer.
Don started a Record Company together with Oscar Mdlongwa. The company is called Kalawa Jazzmee Records and is the first successful black record company in South Africa to produce record and market their own product without help from any major label.
Kalawa Jazzmee’s artists dominate the South African music landscape and are responsible for much of the new music that has changed the country’s youth today.
Don has often spoken at music seminars and panels on the issue of quality and Standards of South African Music. He has also toured internationally.
Discography
Albums
1984: I Wanna Be Myself
1987: Smile
1997: Destiny
1998: Super Nova
2001: Pyramid
2002: Armageddon
2007: Invitation
2008: Paradise
2010: Poison
Singles & EPs
1986: Stages Of Love (EP)
Notes
- ↑ "Laka, Don (South Africa)". music.org.za. Retrieved 18 April 2010.