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THE group, Loading Zone, started performing in Johannesburg, backing Brenda Fassie in 1990. Soon after, they were offered their first independent gig to perform at Kippies, at the Market Theatre. After this great start, they secured a residency at one of the funkiest clubs at the time, the Cotton Pub in Hillbrow. Although the group was doing mostly covers then, the public enjoyed the youthful and energetic renditions of music by Al Jarreau, Djavan, Tania Maria, and the likes.
The reputation they earned at the Cotton Pub soon spread, and they were consequently invited to back up Miriam Makeba. Thereafter, they had a very successful tour of Southern Africa, including Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Whilst in Windhoek, Namibia, Papa Wemba watched one Loading Zone’s performances, and was so impressed that he asked the group to audition as his backing band whilst touring Namibia. Needless to say, they were successful at the audition, and ended up spending two months in Namibia.
Upon their return to South Africa, they played with Chico Twala, MarcAlex and Mike Makhelemele, whilst some of the members of the group performed and recorded with the likes of Ray Phiri and Stimela, Sipho “Hotstix" Mabuse, Toto, Miriam Makeba and Simply Red, to name but a few.
Instrumentation:
band
Genre:
fusion, jazz
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Presently, all the members of Loading Zone live in Cape Town, and most of them have studied, or are currently finishing off, at the University of Cape Town’s Music School. They have been active in Cape Town, performing at least once a week and guesting for artists such as Jimmy Dludlu (whom they backed in the recording of his debut album, Echoes from the Past), Sibongile Khumalo and Rene McLean. Loading Zone has also participated in renowned festivals around the country including the Truworths Man Jazz Festival in Cape Town, the Grahamstown Arts Festival in 1993 & 1994, and the Arts Alive Festival.
Loading Zone is one of the most energetic and versatile groups in Cape Town at present. Whilst some of the members have moved on, all the core members remain. Current members, all having served apprenticeships with some of the most renowned musicians in the country, include Keith de Bruyn (drums), John Hassan (percussion), Lucas Khumalo (bass), Luke Saville (keys/piano), and Ivan Mazuze (Horns).
The diversity in the member’s skill experience and background is evident in their wide repertoire, which includes traditional African standards, Jazz, Afro-pop, Fusion, and even Funk. Whatever they play, the music is always loaded with touches of Sepedi, SiSwati, Mozambican, Brazilian and Cape rhythms and melodies. And now that they are focussing on original music, Loading Zone cannot go wrong.
Contact Details:
Making Music Artist Agency
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Recordings : Loading Zone
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2000
Overdue
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click here for more about these and other recordings by : Loading Zone
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