Seatlholo, Bushy (South Africa)  
Bushy Seatlholo (c) Steve Gordon 2002

BEST known for his keyboard work with Spirits Rejoice, Joy, and the Big Dudes, Bushy Seatlholo first started playing at community events such as weddings, body building and beauty contests. His first group was called The Sounds, who performed at many nightclubs and outdoor shows and also did recordings.

Later the band's name changed to the Chosen Few, Chosen Few successfully recorded their album along with performing throughout South Africa. Although it enjoyed great success, the band sadly parted. But with enthusiasm, Bushy joined the Spirit Rejoice band - a milestone in the evolution of an original African jazz - and which also served as backing for the famous female vocal trio Joy.

Bushy then worked with the group Theta, and became an additional member of the Big Dudes. While playing for the Big Dudes, he did extensive session work for Chico Twala and Brenda Fassie. Not only did he perform but also produced some of the up-coming artists.

In 1987, the (then) exiled artist and arranger, Caiphus Semenya approached Bushy to join the musical Buwa - a show which assembled exile musicians with artists from southern Africa - and which toured extensively on the African continent. This experience served to broaden musical horizons, and afforded Bushy exposure to music and musicians from elsewhere on the continent. The relationships with many of the musicians forged during the Buwa tour continued when he returned to South Africa.




Instrumentation:
keyboards
Genre: African, African Jazz, mbaqanga
After the Buwa tour, he took on a increasing array of freelance work, performing and recording with artists including Jonas Gwangwa, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Ringo Madlingozi, Selaelo Selota, Barney Rachabane, Bheki Khosa, Abigail Kubeka, Tandi Klaasen, Dennis Mpale, Mike Makhalemele, Sophie Mqina, Joe Malinga, Glen Mafoko and many more.

His engagements range from recording sessions and live performances, and have seen him work extensively both nationally and internationally.

Bushy's first solo album "Making Ends Meet" is self-produced, and features his diverse talents as composer and arranger. He performs all keyboard parts, programming, and also on saxophone. While keeping busy with his session engagements for other artists, he also assembled his own group, which performs a repertoire including that from his album.

Bushy died tragically in a car accident in August 2003.

Bushy on stage with Caiphus & Letta (c) Steve Gordon 2002


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