Herbie's Time: After having spent over two decades making music, as the preferred sideman to some of the country's most celebrated jazz and other artists, Herbie Tsoaeli is finally in the spotlight, and centre-stage, with his long awaited album, African Time. This work is a gift! A belated debut record, by a master and mentor with a simple message:

"Jazz is alive and well - it will teach you - it will grow you."

If you have been listening to South African creative music in the past 20 years, you have probably been grooving and swinging to the bass of Herbie Motlatsi Tsoaeli. His sound carries history and memory. Adroit, uncompromising, yet always soulful- Tsoaeli’s voice as a bass player is alive in the South African songbook. Tsoaeli takes his turn to add his chapter to the continuing story of music in South Africa. Wielding the double bass and singing with it and through it, African Time is a celebration of what came before; and a contribution to what is becoming in our time - a tribute to past legends and greats - a creative benchmark and milestone of those still to come..


Over the years, Tsoaeli has brought his simplicity and honesty into joyful performances in bars, clubs, concert halls and festivals alongside South Africa's most gifted players of music. When on stage, his playing, his movements and his chants create encounters where the song becomes a bridge into the unknown. An improviser and lover of the free-jazz ethic, Tsoaeli delights in taking the audience to a creative space of deep feeling.Assured, they always return feeling stronger.

African Time celebrates a life of dedicated submission to a musical art form that has been known to heal and inspire. This is a spiritual musical journey - it does not matter how you define it, or where you practise it. This is a spirited work by men and women who dedicate their lives to create life-affirming music. It will touch you, and even make you dance. It is art with the intention of uplifting - an eloquent musical
depiction of who we are and what we could become.


Steve Kwena Mokwena


Herbie Thanks:

To my maker and creator.

To all my family and relatives: Buyiswa Ndzuzo; my wife Neli, and children Tshepo, Thuso, Zola, Kabo & Rato. My mother Janet Nikelo; my siblings Mimi, Ntsiki, Mawethu, Bongani their support, love and understanding for all these years.

To the many journalists, DJ’s, radio stations and other media platforms. All those who support and expose the arts in its many forms. Without you no-one would know of us - thank you for spreading the word and love. (I must in particular mention a few friends in this area whose valuable support is strongly noted: Ike Phaahla; Mesh Mapetla; Nothemba Madumo; K.G.
Moeketsi; Brenda Sisane; Nicky B; Eric Allan, Gwen Ansell, and so mahy more -!)

It was an absolute blessing to work with the amazing and great musicians involved with this album! Thanks for your creative juices, time, inputs and understanding. In addition to those specific musicians - ALL musicians that I have been associated with & played with; ALL those musicians that have influenced and inspired me. You are too numerous to mention here - but you are not forgotten - thank you.

Friends: Nirvana & Steve Kwena; Kido & Njabulo Nhlapo; Garth & Zwelakhe Le Pere; Niki and Zuko Rwaxa @ "Niki's Oasis", Nosipho Mjele Mjekula; Lesiba Mothoa; Dinga Sikwebu; Kenneth Ramoitheki; Ezra Jwili; Fred Khumalo; Steve Kunny; Dudley Moloi; Marabo Morojele; Myesha Jenkins; Brenda Nyamza; Ike Phaala; Lefifi Tladi; Moagi Ntsime; Khubu Zulu; Richard Gibbs; Pora Goniwe; Mise Dayeli; Lesley Dikeni; Polly Lekhela; Silas Monyatsi; Mxolisi Mayekane; Selby Jet Hobo; Mike Milandzi; Cyril Ngcukana, Tshego Sekgobela; Sandile Memela; Peter Pearlson; Tshidi, Papiki & Puleng Madikane; Buyiswa Ndzuzo; Sizani Madikane; Garnett Chiya; Menyatso Matole; Sizani Madikane; Mcebisi Ndamase; Fana Zulu; Spencer Mbadu; Peter Ndiala; M'lu Gegana; Lex Mfutshane.

Notable special thanks to Steve Kwena Mokwena (for the faith, support and belief in me and this project); Peter Pearlson (the extreme patience, as well as the magic expertise). There are many I may have omitted to mention. Space is limited - you know what you have done for me - please believe you are not forgotten - thank you.

Mecayesanks to the many jazz and music lovers that have supported our music over the decades. Your support is noted and valued. *

This one's for you — H. Tsoaeli