Xolani Skosana

Creative Statement

Xolani Jazzmeloz Skosana
Jazz,Soul and House Occupations: Musician Instruments: Guitar Years active: 2010–present Biography:
Xolani Gift Skosana is an essentially self-taught jazz guitarist and a
sessionist. He began playing at the age of 18, in 2008 at his home, with
a four stringed guitar given by a friend, influenced by musicians such as
Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Butler and B.B. King. However, he sites that
the most influential musical experience he had as a youth was at the age of twenty seeing Themba Mokoena, George Benson, Norman Brown
and Ronny Jordan perform on television. He learned techniques from
listening to recordings of Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Butler, George
Benson, Norman Brown, and Wes Montgomery, amongst others.
Xolani played with Taiwa Jazz Band in Tembisa from 2009-2011, played
with Doc Powell an American jazz guitarist and composer from New York at a workshop in Johannesburg Tembisa Art Centre. He then went
to SAMET (South African Music Education Trust) in Alexandra took
lessons. Xolani shared a stage with artists such as Ganyani, Zahara,
Rober Owens, G-Unit, Nick Holder and QT, performed with DJ Clock and
Bantu Soul on LIVE SABC1.
Xolani became part of the Quartet, participating at a Women's Day event at Shaguma Garden Cafe in Midrand. They have also travelled to
perform in Botswana together. Currently working with Bantu Soul, or
better known as Tshepo Motshegoa from the RnB outfit (METRO FM
‘BEST MALE ARTIST’ WINNER 2008) Khalil

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