Spokes Mashiyane
Born Johannes Mashiyane in Vlakfontein, South Africa on January 20, 1933, the
legendary pennywhistle artist was better known by his nickname Spokes. He is
acknowledged as one of the most influential kwela artists of all time with a
career that began in the 1950s and continued until his death in 1972. He became
interested in being a musician when he was exposed to kwela music –
pennywhistle-based music with jazz and skiffle influences - as a young domestic
servant in northern Sotho. He chose the pennywhistle for the instruments
simplicity and ability to bend notes. His recordings ...
