Tlale Makhene © Stella Olivier
Tlale Makhene
Soweto-born Tlale Makhene is a sought-after percussionist, composer and collaborator who draws from 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 Pharaoh 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 highest accolade in South African music awards for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, and “Swazi Gold” (2017). In 2020, Makhene was awarded 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 Awards Nominee for Best Adult Contemporary Jazz) and “Busuku Nemini”.
As of: September 2025