South African composer, guitarist and producer (for WEA Records), born in Donnybrook, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1936, who taught himself to play guitar as a child. He is a remarkably versatile artist, who’s style includes soul jazz, bump jive, mbaqanga and afro funk.

He worked at the United Tobacco Company in Durban before moving to Johannesburg in 1956 to work on the mines. This afforded him the opportunity to take guitar lessons at the legendary Dorkay House in 1958. His first recordings were made in 1959, and he also contributed to the United Artists’ productions of King Kong, In Township Tonight and Mhobeloas as a band member. He also provided background music for the Jamie Uys film Dingaka. His first recording as composer was Nozizwe with the Travelling Singers in 1960. In 1963 he formed Almon’s Jazz Eight that recorded and performed throughout the 60s and 70s, also releasing Soul Bandit with the AM Stragglers in 1969.

This song was released on the (incredibly difficult to find) album “Broken Shoes”, released in 1976. The song was written by Almon Memela and is the only track on side 1. It was recorded with the Soweto Pelican Club house band.

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