INTRODUCTION TO SOUTH AFRICAN GUITAR STYLES, vol. 1, five decades of ukuvamba (1930s-1980s)

182pp., 4to., b/w & colour illus., paperback, Johannesburg, 2022

The history of the guitar in Black South African popular music over five decades and the most important styles to have evolved around it: marabi, maskanda, African jazz, kwela, mbaqanga and XiTsonga. Includes biographies of the artists profiled. Stave notation is provided. Videos of tutorials, demonstrations and interviews are available on www.billymonama.co.za

"In 1997, Billy got his hands on a borrowed acoustic six-string and never looked back. He was that rare thing, a natural, who could rapidly absorb informal instruction from grassroots musicians around him." David Coplan, author of In Township Tonight

"Rarely does one experience in the arts, particularly music, resilience, commitment, and dedication that transcends self-interest. I've had the privilege of working with one fantastic guitarist, Billy Manama, for over a decade. Although he remains part of the motley crew of sought-after composers, arrangers and performers, Manama has expanded his craft beyond the aforementioned and has advanced his skill researching his instrument of choice - the guitar. This invaluable contribution to academia is a milestone to be celebrated." Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse