By Deo Gratias Magagula | 2025-03-12

Multi-award-winning percussionist and jazz musician Tlale Makhene, alongside producer and artist Ziyawakazitha, recently took centre stage in Japan, headlining a two-day show and workshop at the Cosmopolis Festival where they made history.

The event was held at the prestigious Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Shaw Auditorium, where their distinctive fusion of African rhythms and electronic elements captivated thousands of music lovers.
Their performance was part of the South African Jazz with the Tlale Makhene Quartet, featuring Tlale Makhene on percussion and vocals, Tshegofatso on guitar, Sibusiso Sibanyoni on bass, and Ziyawakazitha on turntables and electronic production. The following day, Makhene led an interactive workshop where attendees were encouraged to participate through movement, body percussion, and instruments provided by the venue.
Tlale Makhene described the experience as beautiful and transformative. He said the organisers told them that in the history of event held in the Shaw’s auditorium, they were the first to fill up the venue.
He shared that he was truly surprised by how well they were received and provided with everything they needed and more.

“It was like they knew the songs, responding, singing along and even asking for an enchor after their performance,” he enthused.
He said this experience taught him that as much he was African, when he wrote music it was not just for the African but for the rest of the world. “Music is a universal language and God is using me as a vessel, I wish we could have been able to capture this experience and bring it home with us, I will never forget it” he said.
Ziyawakazitha expressed his excitement, stating, “I was part of Makhene’s show as his producer. Tlale’s sound is deeply African and I added a unique twist to it.
“It’s not a common genre, but the organisers and audience at the festival loved it. We have created a sound that is yet to be named, one that resonates with a global market. Our goal is to craft timeless music, we don’t just create music, we deliver an experience.”
Ziyawakazitha revealed that the organisers first discovered their music through their performance at the Bushfire Festival and via streaming platforms. Since then, they had maintained communication, leading to this remarkable international opportunity.
When asked about challenges, Ziyawakazitha shared that the experience was overwhelmingly positive.

“The Japanese music market is very fluid and open to new sounds. They were incredibly receptive to what we brought, and they’ve already expressed interest in having us return soon,” he said.

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