Loading Zone
Location: Based in Cape TownBiography
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 which 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 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, Papa Wemba watched one Loading Zone’s performances, and was so impressed that he asked the group to be his backing band during a 2 month tour of 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.
Whilst some of the original Loading Zone members have moved on, the core of the band remains. The band consists of include Frank Paco (drums), John Hassan (percussion), Lucas Khumalo (bass), Allou April (guitar), Sylvester Mazinyane (keys/piano), and Jacko Ngoka (vocals), most of whom have studied at the SA College of Music at the University of Cape Town, and have performed with some of the most renowned musicians in the country.
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.
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, as well as original music. Whatever they play, the music is always loaded with touches of Sepedi, SiSwati, Mozambican, Brazilian and Cape rhythms and melodies.
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BUDGET INDICATOR
Below budget range is merely a guide; you will receive an exact quote based on your unique event details upon enquiring
Budget Range for Loading Zone is
R20000 - R30000
BOOKING ENQUIRY
Submit a booking enquiry directly with Loading Zone, and the Artist or their manager / representative will be in touch with you soon!
Should you be unsure about which acts to enquire with, you can choose to SEND GIGSTER YOUR EVENT DETAILS and we will forward your enquiry to up to 5 suitable acts.
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