Friends First

Formed in 1986 with the idea of spreading a Christian and political message, working towards a post-apartheid society.

It was a musical concept involving many people including songwriters Nick Paton and Steve McEwan. The core band was Malcolm du Plessis (vocals. Producer), JB Arthur (vocals, guitar, keyboards, producer), Dany Bridgens (guitar), Victor Sibusiso Masondo (bass) and Lloyd Martin (drums).

Released the albums We See A New Africa (1986), Another Friend In Another City (1988) and Dumisani Ma-Afrika (1993) and the single “Jabulani Afrika” in 1987.

The Jazzanians

Durban-based group formed in the mid-1980s under the mentorship of Darius Brubeck: Zim Ngqawana (alto sax, flute), Victor Masondo (bass), Lulu Gontsana (drums, percussion), Kevin Gibson (drums), Andrew Eagle (guitar), Melvin Peters (piano, keyboards), Nic Paton (tenor sax, soprano sax) and Johnny Mekoa (trumpet, valve trombone), and Rick van Heerden (alto sax, tenor sax).

Released the album We Have Waited Too Long in 1988 and toured the USA.