JEFF MALULEKE


Jeff Maluleke, previously known as Papa Jeff became interested in music while still at school. He was joined in his passion by fellow school-mate Pat Dubazane who with whom he later became a song-writing team and formed the group Hagonya.

Jeff was a backing vocalist for Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels and he and Dr Victor wrote the track I Miss Your Love, released on the album One Goal, One Wish. Jeff met Arthur Mafokate with whom he recorded Papa Jeff, which reached Gold and sold over 30 000 units. Jeff and Pat Dubazane formed Hagonya and released an album. They were chosen as the support act for Jackson Browne on his tour to South Africa. On the last night of their tour, they joined Jackson on stage performing two of his tracks with him.

In 1997 Hagonya was nominated Best Group for a South African Music Award. In 1998 Jeff recorded Dzovo, a solo album with producer Thapelo Khomo. The album is a combination of African and Western influences drawing on the inspirations of mbqanga, kwasa kwasa, Tracy Chapman, Paul Simon, George Michael and funky samba beats. The lyrics are in English, Zulu and Tsonga. Jeff continues to perform at prestigious events such as the Standard Bank Jazz Festivals. He released the album Juliana in 2000, for which he received a 2001 Best Producer South African Music Award.