Sipho Hotstix Mabuse

Sipho Hotstix Mabuse is a South African celebrated musician, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. With a extensive career spanning more than five decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's Afro-pop, jazz, funk and township music landscape. Best known for his timeless hits Burn Out and Jive Soweto, Mabuse has become a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the stage. His nickname, ‘Hotstix’, was earned through his exceptional drumming skills, although he is equally accomplished on the flute, saxophone, piano, kalimba and a range of African percussion instruments.

Born in Soweto, Mabuse began playing the drums at the age of eight and formed his first band, The Beaters, while still a teenager. Following a successful tour of Zimbabwe in the mid-1970s, the group adopted the name Harari and became one of South Africa's most successful Afro-rock bands. After Harari disbanded in 1982, Mabuse launched a solo career that produced one of the country's biggest crossover hits, Burn Out, which sold more than 500,000 copies.

He followed this success with other enduring favourites including Jive Soweto, Shikisha, Thaba Bosiu, Township Child, Chant of the Marching, Let's Get It On and What About Tomorrow?. His albums include Burn Out, Let's Get It On, What About Tomorrow?, Township Child, and Chant of the Marching, all of which showcase his ability to blend township rhythms with soul, jazz and contemporary African music.

Beyond his own recordings, Mabuse has produced and collaborated with legendary artists including Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and Sibongile Khumalo. His contribution to South African music has been recognised with numerous honours, including the South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and the Order of Ikhamanga (Silver) in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to the arts. He has also received several other lifetime achievement awards in recognition of his enduring influence on South African culture. Today, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse remains one of the country's most respected musical ambassadors, continuing to perform while inspiring new generations through his remarkable musicianship, commitment to education and lifelong dedication to African music.