Louis Mhlanga
Biography -- Discography

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.

Mhlanga to play Nama >> Daily News (Feb 05)

Discography

Louis Mhlanga has contributed to a whole host of albums by different artists. Listed below are those which contain a number of his compositions or duets.

Tinganekwane	Sheer	2004
Shamwari	Upenyu	2001
Song For Nomsa (feat. Eric Van Der Westen)	Upenyu	1999
Live at the Bassline (feat. Vusi Mahalasela)	Upenyu	1999
Mukai	Upenyu	1999
Musik Ye Afrika (feat. Jimmy Indi and Iethro Shaha)	Upenyu	1997

Musik Ye Afrika

Released: 1997
Label: Upenyu
Format: CD
Running Time: 75 minutes, 10 tracks.
Stocked by: Kalahari

Louis Mhlanga's jazzy release with Zimbabwean stars Jimmy Indi and the late Iethro Shasha. Indi, a bassist, and Shasha, a drummer, compliment Mhlanga's soft guitar on this excellent album. A slower, less driving feel than most Zimbabwean releases, Mhlanga's melodies are sweet and jazzy - some tracks feature vocals, while others are strictly instrumental. Highly recommended - an completely enjoyable experience and a personal favourite.

Mukai

Released: 1999 )re-release)
Label: Shumba
Format: CD
Running Time: 8 tracks
Stocked by: Kalahari

Louis' debut solo album was re-released in 1999 after the success of his collaboration with Vusi Mahalasela.

Live at the Bassline with Vusi Mahalasela

Released: 1999
Label: Upenyu
Format: CD
Running Time: 69 minutes, 13 tracks.
Stocked by: ShoppingMatrix, Kalahari

This album, recorded live at the Bassline nightclub in 1997, is essentially a tribute to the partnership of Mhlanga and South African guitarist Vusi Mahalasela. Most tracks are Mahalasela's, in fact some describe this release as his greatest hits package. Zvinoshamisa, Mai Rugare, and Chibona are Mhlanga compositions. The duo, formed in 1994, perform together on every track.

Song For Nomsa

Released: 1999
Label: Upenyu
Format: CD
Running Time: 12 tracks.
Stocked by: ShoppingMatrix, Kalahari

This album was recorded in 1998 during Mhlanga's stint in the Netherlands. The release is a collaboration with Dutch bassist Eric Van Der Westen. The combination of electric guitar and acoustic bass may be uncommon, but it certainly works in Mhlanga's favour. Song For Nomsa was well received by British and European music pundits.

Shamwari

Released: 2001
Label: Upenyu
Format: CD
Running Time: 10 tracks.
Stocked by: OneWorld, Amazon, Zimsounds

Released in 2001, Shamwari is Mhlanga's latest album. The CD features Mhlanga's dreamy, jazzy compilations, however lacks vocals of any kind. Although enjoyable, I'd recommend Musik Ye Afrika first, as Shamwari (in my opinion) ranges at times from brilliant to wishy washy. An enjoyable album to be sure, but not up to the standout compositions found on Musik Ye Afrika, a personal favourite.

Tinganekwane

Released: 2004
Label: Sheer Sound - SSCD102
Format: CD
Running Time: 12 tracks
Stocked by: Sheer, Woolworths (UK), Kalahari (South Africa),

Produced and mixed by Mhlanga himself, and featuring him on vocals, guitar, and mbria, Tinganekwane is the latest in his line of jazzy, guitar-based albums, and was released at the height of his popularity at home and abroad. Tinganekwane means 'once upon a time' in Swahili, and the album features stories told in song, all derived from Louis' own experiences and dreams.