Gwigwi mrwebi biography books

Gwigwi Mrwebi, also called ‘Bra Gwigwi’, whose birth name was Benni, was a well known alto saxophonist in the 1950’s South African Jazz scene.

He taught himself to play the saxophone and the clarinet, and is said to have had a big showman personality as he was loved by many of his peers and followers. He became the first black South African to form and lead a full 14-piece band in the country.

Mrwebi was a founding member of the Union of South African Artists, which was formed in 1953 in order to protect the rights of musicians and their royalties.

With all of his gigs and concerts, he was also working for the South African magazine Drum as a circulation manager.

Part of his international acclaim is due to his numerous appearances for the BBC World Service Africa.

Mrwebi’s genre of music was often referred to as African jazz and township jive and he was a very important part of these South African music subcultures, so much so that his influences have lived