Guitarist, Composer and Bandleader.
Mokopane, Mahwelereng in the Northern Province of South Africa is where Billy Monama was born. From such humble surroundings he inherited a rich musical culture that combined traditional ethnic sounds with those from western jazz styles.
In 1997 Monama was drawn to a guitar belonging to a neighbour. Largely self-taught, Monama immediately showed signs of natural talent on guitar.
Billy’s interests were broader than music. In completing his schooling, he moved to Pretoria and enrolled for a course in Political Science. However the musical calling proved to be much stronger, so he moved to Johannesburg and impulsively enrolled at a music institution after being told about it by a musician who convinced him of a need to study music.
At the Central Johannesburg College is where he began to understand more about music harmony, performance and leading an ensemble. During this period of self-discovery, Billy was also discovering other voices within the Jazz idiom. He speaks fondly of musicians like Wes
Montgomery, Tal Farlow, Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. With Billy also being involved in a church music team that performed mainly African traditional music, it meant that the African sound continued to be a strong part of his voice. Some of his South African influences include Marks Mankwane, Jimmy Dludlu, Sibongile Khumalo and many others.
Billy Monama has also developed a great sense of melody by composing very catchy tunes without compromising on depth. He admits to being influenced by non-musical surroundings which then inform his music. Monama may have strong Jazz influences but is pushing boundaries all the time, incorporating many different musical cultures. To label him a Jazz musician would be to limit his world.
Billy sees himself as part of the new generation of South African musicians that want to take music of the African continent to greater heights. Musicians that have a strong understanding of the local sound yet have global aspirations.
In his brief musical journey Billy Monama has already performed at a number of important events as a band leader:
- Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival – 2016
- Collaborative performance with US saxophonist Dave Koz
- Collaboration with Denise Jannah – Singer, Actor & Educator (Netherlands)
- Promusica Theatre’s Summer Jazz & Blues Weekend. – 2009
- Cape Town International Jazz Festival – 2018
- 2018 – performed two nights at Market Theatre – Jazzy July series launch and many more others
Other South African groups and projects Monama has performed and/or recorded with include:
- Pianist & prolific composer Themba Mkhize
- Abdullah Ibrahim with the New South African Jazz Orchestra
- International acclaimed pianist – Andile Yenana.
- “Ma Brrr” – a musical theatre piece on the life of Brenda Fassie directed by Jerry Mofokeng and Victor Masondo as Musical Director
- International acclaimed Bassist, Composer & Arranger – Victor Ntoni.
- South African Multi-awarding wining pop group- Malaika
- Award winning songstresses – Thandiswa Mazwai, and Siphokazi
- Statesmen of South African Music, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Sibongile Khumalo, Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubeka and many others.
In August 2008 Billy was chosen as the most outstanding attendant at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Workshop series. In 2009 Monama worked with internationally acclaimed musical directors, Themba Mkhize and Concord Nkabinde in a South African Jazz Education musical theatre show, “CRAZY FOR JAZZ: Our Journey through Music”, CRAZY FOR JAZZ was directed by James Ngcobo and Choreographed by Gregory Maqoma.
Not only is Billy Monama good with working under the leadership of other Musicians but heis also a great leader in the making. He already leads his own Band and has even been entrusted with Musical Directorship for big professional projects by companies such as the Vuyani Dance Company. Projects Billy has directed music for in 2015:
- Rain Dance, Choreographed by Luyanda Sidiya (2015-Standard Bank Young Artist Award
winner) - Gregory Maqoma & Friends 25 year celebration in dance featuring- Sibongile Khumalo, Somizi Mhlongo, David Tlale, and Complete. In 2016 Monama Conceived, Founded & Director of the Grazroots Project. This exciting & much needed Project, that sets out to revive the History and re-connect us with our South African Musical Heritage in order to give birth to a new Soundtrack that will carry us into the Future, as a Nation. Grazroots Project has already performed at a number of important events: Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival – Moshito Music Conference & Exhibition – African & Jazz Nights at State theatre – Arts Alive – Eldos Jazz & Arts Festival, Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
2017 October, Monama released his debut album titled REBOUNCE. Billy Monama also leads a very exciting seven-piece band from different cultural backgrounds, together they produce strong & infectious melodies, cushioned by a warm horn section and driven by highly rhythmic vocal chants. Billy’s flexibility is evident in his ability to perform his music in different formats such as
Quartet, Trio, etc.
Contact & Bookings:
e-mail: bookings@billymonama.co.za
