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Andile Meshack

Born in Kensington, Cape Town, South Africa. Mother's name is Muriel Zodwa Meshack and father Johnson. Grew up in Guguletu Township and later became a saxophonist.

About Me

I was born in Cape Town South Africa. I attended ID Mkize secondary school in Guguletu and St. Francis Educational Centre at Langa Township where I past my matric exams. In the 1980's I studied music theory and saxophone as a self-taught and later played with various local upcoming musicians like MCoy Mrubatha, Blacky Tempi, Day Day Matebe, etc. In the 90's I played professionally with various older musicians in Cape Town and ended up in Namibia playing with Roger Khoza-piano, Sgananda Cindi-Bassist and Willie Nettie-Trombonist etc. In 1994 the band returned to Johannesburg and became active at Dorkay house, Elloff St. African Jazz Prophets big band was formed and played for various functions and events in Johannesburg, Durban etc. I alos played in Jonas Gwangwa's big band, James Mange and the whiplashes, Roney Mabena band, Dan Kapueja reggae band, and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels. In 1997 I was employed by Sikulu Musical Company, as a saxophonist, and later we played in Europe. In 1998 after finishing my contrct I remained in Ireland as a music student and finished my Btec degree in Popular music and jazz in 2002. I helped in the formation of the Northern Ireland African Cultural Centre, in Belfast and became active there with Dr James Uhomoibhi from Nigeria, Dr Stan Papenfus from South Africa, Tura Arutura from Zimbabwe and many others from various African countries. Around this time I attended the Newpark Jazz School in Dublin and performed African music, Reggae and jazz musician in Ireland and abroad. In 2007 I became academic again and attended the “Irish World Academy of Music and Dance” in the University of Limerick and finished with a Masters degree in Community Music in 2008. Thereafter I became a music workshop facilitator, saxophone teacher and performer. I formed my band ”NKULULEKO” . I also play with “Black Magic Jazz Big Band” and ”West Coast Jazz Big Band” in Galway. In 2011 I teach saxophone in Dublin at Glasnevin Music Academy, Finglas. I plan to do a PhD in Composition.