JOE NINA


Described as a South African musical treasure, Joe Nina has worked successfully as a producer, songwriter, performer and actor. His music is a blend of cutting-edge grooves and African beats over which his vocals create a rich and textured sound.

Joe's parents were both musicians for bands during Sophiatown's heydays. From the age of three he accompanied them on gigs and at the age of 16, left his school to pursue a career in music. In 1991, when he was 17, Joe began formal training as a sound engineer. He made demo tapes and teamed up with Arthur Mafokate to write the song Com Com, which won the Coca Cola Full Blast Talent Search. He has written for and worked with some of South Africa's greatest artists including Brenda Fassie, Ray Phiri, Mara Louw and Hugh Masekela.

Joe established the record company Killar Joe Productions with Ray Phiri when he was chosen to write the soundtrack for the Channel 4 film Jump the Gun. He worked on Q Zoo's forthcoming CD, remixed Uthando Lwami off Lebo M's album
Deeper Meaning and produced the African Jazz Pioneer's latest album. Joe Nina performed with Selaelo Selota, Judith Sephuma, Lebo Mathosa and George
Sax and the Funk 4 at Jazz on the Lake in 2000.