Charles Louw, born in Cape Town started playing the guitar at the early age of six. His grandparents played a significant role in his social, religious and musical life. As part of their work within the church, they acquired a full set of band instruments to which Louw has been unlimited access. It was with these instruments at his disposal that he started his first band.

For six months he played drums in the band and then switched to vocals and bass. During that time he met guitarist Nazeem Brown and flautist McCoy Mrubata. From Mrubata he learned the basics of music theory. He was later introduced to the Nyanga Arts Centre where he jammed with well known Cape Town musicians like, among others, Herbie Tseoli and Spencer Mbadu.

In 1977 he took up playing the piano with a local band, Shaft, doing the mainly cover versions in clubs around the city. As his skills on the keyboard developed he became a sought after player, gigging with bands like Robbie Jansen’s Heartthrob, and Basil “Manenberg” Coetzee’s Sabenza.

Among the highlights of Louw’s musical career was an appearance as guest artist with Jonathan Butler and his band Pacific Express. He also mentions a stint with Stevie Wonder when the latter toured South Africa.

For a few years Louw played in the South African Police Band. The bands repertoire was broad and Louw recalls playing anything from marching tunes at public parades, to Big Band Jazz at private military functions.

Out of the police band, he started earning a living playing on the so called hotel circuit at places like Sun City, Gaberone Sun in Botswana, Why Not in Swaziland, Marilyn Hotel in Zimbabwe, etc.

However, the opening of a jazz studies programme at the University of Cape Town’s College of Music in 1989 saw Louw permanently back in Cape Town and enrolled as a music student in the programme. Here he developed his arranging and compositional skills.

A few years later, he formed the band Mamela, with the intention of playing only original compositions. These compositions reflect the various and numerous musical influences of Louw, the idiom include gospel, jazz and ghoema sounds. Louw also quotes the influence of particular musicians such as Abdullah Ibrahim whom he says was a staple musical diet in his household.

Other performances and collaborations include a solo stint in Bahrain for three months backing “The United Voices” from Australia, appearing with musicians and educators from Norway, Sweden, France and USA.

Louw regularly takes acts to Grahamstown and KKNK national festivals. The winning of the Kanna Award for Best Contemporary Music at The KKNK festival in 2006, is one highlight Louw considers, will always be with him.

He is the leader of both ATLANTIQUE (cover versions) and the MAMELA BAND (originals), which currently performs in and around Cape Town. Louw also does session work with various other bands and musicians. When not performing, he teaches Music at Community Based Music Projects and writes music for well known South Arican poet Diana Ferrus.

Instruments:

1. Piano
2. Keyboards
3. Bass guitar
4. Vocals