BAYETE

Bayete is synonymous with Jabu Khanyile who fronts the group, which dates back to the 1980's. After ten years of performing together, the original group disbanded in 1993 and Jabu, hopeful of their reunion, still calls his band Bayete. In the 90's, Bayete were one of South Africa's most important groups, famous for the hits Mbombela and the 1990 Mbube (lion), which became a symbol for unity during the struggle.
Jabu's musical influence came largely from his father who used to sing mbube songs and from his older brother John, who led a group called Editions. Jabu was spotted by the manager of Editions and the result was a new group of younger musicians. With another group he released Izinyembezi (My Tears) and formed The Movers who attained Gold with their hit Inhlonipho.
Since their disbanding, Jabu has collaborated with several former Bayete members, notably with keyboarder/arranger Themba Mkhize on his album, Cheeky Mama. Jabu and Bayete's new disc Umkhaya-Lo on which he collaborated with Thapelo Kgomo, is rich with West African and South African rhythms. Teaming up again with Thapelo and Ian Osrin, Bayete have matured its new sound. The album features Victor Masondo, Jabu Sibumbe, Kenny Mathaba and Don Gumbo.
Jabu has been the support-act for Salif Keita. In 1994 he won two South African Music Awards Best Male Performer of the Year and Best Song of the Year for Mmalo-We. Thapelo Kgomo won the Best Producer award for his part on the album.