Tlale Makhene

Soweto-born Tlale Makhene is a sought-after percussionist, composer, and collaborator who draws from the genres of traditional, world, and jazz music. Makhene has performed locally and internationally, collaborating and working with artists ranging from Miriam Makeba to Corinne Bailey Rae and Johnny Clegg to Pharoah Sanders. His collaboration with William Kentridge began seven years ago with Refuse the Hour and continues through his work with Kentridge’s Centre for the Less Good Idea. Makhene has released two original albums: Ascension of the Enlightened (2004), which won the South African Music Awards (SAMA) for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, and Swazi Gold (2017). In 2020, he received the BVSM Award for Best Percussionist. He also wrote music for Dada Masilo’s Sacrifice. Other albums under his name are SG2.0 (2020 SAMA nominee for Best Adult Contemporary Jazz) and Busuku Nemini.