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BASSIST, vocalist and composer Gito Baloi first became known to South African audiences in the early 1980’s as a member of the Mozambican group Pongolo.
Based in Johannesburg, Pongolo played at club and campus venues throughout South Africa, and released two albums during this period.
Gito became a popular session player, and working closely with the alternative “Shifty Records" label, recorded with Kenyan guitarist Simba Morri, and also with people's poet Mzwakhe Mbuli.
It was however his work with Steve Newman (guitar) and Ian Herman (drums/perc) as part of the trio Tananas, which was to earn him acclaim locally and internationally.
During the period 1988 1994, Tananas engaged in extensive local and international touring.
Instrumentation:
bass guitar, vocals
Genre:
African, African Jazz
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The members of Tananas each had full work rosters in their own capacities, and by the mid 1990’s, it was only for occasional tours or projects that the trio came together. Gito released his debut solo album “Ekhaya in 1995, while continuing to contribute his performance, composition and production skills to a range of other projects.
Apart from the regular performances of the Gito Baloi Band, he was engaged in a multitude of collaborations. The Shuttle project (a collaboration with Nordic musicians), Boerequanga (with Nico Carstens), and work with Cameroonian drummer Brice Wassy are just some of the projects he has graced.
His second album, “Na Ku Randza" was released in 1997.
In 1999, Tananas assembled again, and recorded the album “Seed" which was released by Sony Music (SA). International touring work for Tananas followed,with the group on the road in Europe, USA, and Singapore. Gito also toured and performed in his individual capacity.
Gito’s third solo album, "Herbs and Roots", was released in 2001.
Gito Baloi died tragically in Johannesburg in 2004.
Contact Details:
Sheer Sound
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