Japie Laubscher

Japie Laubscher was a renowned South African concertina player, celebrated for his contributions to the genre of *boeremusiek*. Born in 1919 in Woodstock, Cape Town, he became one of the leading figures in this traditional music style. Laubscher was known for his unique playing style, which included a distinctive tremolo technique. Despite being unable to read or write music, he composed over 300 pieces and released several albums. His music was influential in popularizing *boeremusiek* on Afrikaans radio stations. Laubscher's legacy as a master of the concertina continues to be recognized in South African music history.

Laubscher's career spanned several decades, during which he became a household name in South African music circles. His compositions, though not formally documented in sheet music, were largely stored in his memory and played from heart. This approach to music-making was common among his contemporaries, who often learned and performed by ear. Laubscher passed away in 1981 at the age of 62, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that remains significant in South African cultural history.