Sipho Cecil Peter Mabuse, affectionately known as “Hotstix,” is a household name not only in South Africa but across the continent. You simply can’t talk about the jazz scene in this country without mentioning him. For the past several decades, Sipho has helped shape and influence South African music, putting the nation on the map with his unique, melodic and soul-healing sound.
Now in his 70s, Sipho began playing musical instruments at the age of seven and became a professional musician by the time he was 15. He is a true multi-instrumentalist, skilled in drums, flute, piano, saxophone, kalimba, alto flute, timbales and various African drums.
Known for classics such as Shikisha and Jive Soweto, Mabuse has earned several major accolades, including the GQ Lifetime Achievement Award (2021), the Silver Order of Ikhamanga for his contribution to music (2018), and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Annual South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (SATMA).
Born in the iconic township of Soweto, Sipho has taken African stories and rhythms to stages worldwide. His music has carried South Africans through some of the toughest seasons, offering comfort and hope - and when it’s time to celebrate, his sound is always there to lift the nation’s spirits.
A proper custodian of culture, the music legend continues to mentor young musicians and remains deeply passionate about preserving African sounds and traditions.
One of his mentees is a young South African artist, Billy Monama.
"I love a young person called Billy Monama. He is one of my mentees. He currently has a project called Mayibuye iAfrica. It’s a project which I strongly believe should be supported."
Sipho also loves supporting African authors. "At the moment, I’m reading a book written by Lessons From My Father. It’s an exceptional book, but there is also a book written by Mosibudi Mangena. He has written a book titled We Can Fix Ourselves. It’s a book I recommend people read; perhaps if they read such books, they would understand where this country is and where it is coming from."
With the Christmas season around the corner, Sipho says there are two songs that need to be on the playlist - Thaba Bosiu and Burnout.
"Thaba Bosiu is a celebration of a people who gave so much to our country. It is also a celebration of one of the most peaceful kings. Burnout is a song that still feels like a miracle to me - how it has survived for so many years. It’s still the biggest song I’ve ever had. Every time I do a show, it’s a song I have to perform. It’s a song that received special recognition from South Africans. It changed the landscape of young, Black rock music. White people responded positively, and together we set the world on fire."
Sipho takes us on a journey through some of his favourite spots in Johannesburg.
