Jabu Khanyile

Lifetime Achieving SA Musician

in Soweto

Deceased

Jabu Khanyile was best known as the drummer for Bayete. Bayete were together for ten years before splitting up in 1993. While on tour in Kenya someone in the audience got on stage and presented him with an African Flystick, usually the domain of Afrian Royalty, which later became his trademark. The musical spokesman that he was, he spoke to the African communities about social issues, love and traditional ideals - all combined with messages of respect for his ancestors, the spirit of Africa, the beauty of Africa and the people that make up the continent. Khanyile was acclaimed internationally for the unifying song, 'Mbube' (later known as Mbumbe - unity). The song that he was best known for is 'Mmalo-we' from Bayete's album. Bayete parted company in 1992 and Khanyile went solo, performing internationally with Youssou N'Dour, Angelique Kidjo and Papa Wemba. In 1996 he won the Kora award for best Southern African artist. He died in November 2006 after a battle with diabetes and prostate cancer. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th SA Music Awards in April 2010.