Louis Moholo-Moholo

Louis Moholo-Moholo is a legendary South African drummer known for his powerful and deeply expressive playing, as well as his pivotal role in the evolution of avant-garde and free jazz. Born in Cape Town in 1940, he was a founding member of The Blue Notes and later the Brotherhood of Breath—groups that became iconic for blending South African musical traditions with European and American jazz styles. Forced into exile by the apartheid regime, Moholo-Moholo settled in London, where he became a vital figure in the British jazz and improvised music scenes.

Over the decades, Moholo-Moholo has collaborated with a host of influential artists, including Dudu Pukwana, Chris McGregor, Evan Parker, and Steve Lacy, earning a reputation for his dynamic rhythms and deep musical intelligence. His work as a bandleader, particularly with his Viva La Black and 4 Blokes ensembles, continues to push boundaries while remaining grounded in the rich musical heritage of South Africa. Through his playing, he channels both the struggles and the spirit of liberation, making his music as socially resonant as it is artistically groundbreaking.