Shaun Johannes & the Ploemies features four Western Cape jazz musicians with upbringings in previously disenfranchised neighbourhoods that were rife with gangsterism, drugs and poverty.

They play only South African repertoire with a preference for lesser-known and unrecorded composers and artists, empowering fellow musicians, composers and arrangers by acting as a conduit and platform for unheard voices. They aim to expose the world to the musical heritage and future possibilities of South African jazz within the realms of Jazz Fusion.

With musical influences that include South African Ghoema, Mozambican Marabenta, Congolese Kwassa-Kwassa and Cuban Salsa, their infectious grooves and melodic improvisation never fail to get crowds on their feet.

The band is led by Shaun Johannes, a self-taught instrumentalist who entered the University of Cape Town with no formal training on the bass guitar and left with a Master’s degree in Music. He has lectured at UCT for the last 10 years and has toured and performed globally with world-class artists such as George Benson, Jonathan Butler, Johnny Clegg and Katherine Jenkins.

Production Credits