Performer

About Julius Nkuna

MUSICAL INVOLVEMENT HISTORY

1978:

Started going to rehearsals with the group called (The Independence). The group consisted of my brothers Albina (Bass) and the late Daniel (Keyboard)

1984:

Formed Daveyton Youth Club with friends (The late Jabu Masombuka, Edwin Mahlasela and Amos Ubisi)

1985:

Entered the "Shell Road to Fame" with Daveyton Youth Club and proceeded to the eliminations stages

1986:

Formed "One Big Family' with friend (Vusi --Guitar, Steven Mabona --bass now with Four Forty, brothers -- Tronix playing piano and Philmon Techno P playing strings. Also entered 'The Shell Road To Fame up to the eliminations'.

1986-1989:

Participated in the TV programme 'Ngolwesini' wining music competitions. Also participated in the Ungalingisa TV show singing Lionel Richie's song 'Wondering Stranger" up to the semi finals.

1991:

Moved to Pretoria and joined the group 'The Gees' based at Club Gemini.

1993:

Joined the Bookaloo Kids as a drummer and backing singer. Later formed 'Zeal' -- which we later called Eljuvirufa with friends, the late Elphy Putu (Bass), Victor Maponyane (Keyboard) now playing with Jabu Khanyile, Reuben Padi (Drums), Funky (Keyboards) and myself on vocals.

1994:

Formed Sounds of Room 26 with two DJ friends who taught me to spin disks during my stay at Club Gemini. Also worked with the following artists: Mon'wa and Sun, Mdu, Arthur, Joe Nina and Andile.

1996:

Released a single with Room 26 under the label R.P.M.

1996-2001:

Worked as DJ at the following clubs:

Eternity Club

Subway Night Club

Ground Level

Mischief Pub & Restaurant

Junior Pub & Restaurant

2000:

Started working with Norman's Trio. The group consist of:

Julius Nkuna -- Lead Voice and Percussions

Norman Chauke -- Piano and backing voice

Jeff Nomvethe -- Alto Sax and backing voice

Gigging Experience

MUSIC EDUCATION

2003 Grade 1 & 2: London Trinity College of Music

2003 Grade 5: Royal School of Music

2004 Grade 2: London Trinity College of Music

2006 Grade 4 & 6 (London Trinity College of Music)

ACHIEVEMENTS

The song Xirilo, from Julius Nkuna CD titled Xirilo selected as one of the quality world music from South Africa to represent the country at World Music Expo held in Spain (2008)

Winner of the best R&B song (Xitsonga Music Awards 2007)

Winner of the best new comer (Xitsonga Music Awards 2006)

Radio anchor for Turf Community Radio Jazz updates sessions

2012

Morula Sun (October 2012)

2011

Southern Sun -- Morula Sun

Musonda -- State Security Agency

2010

Corporate Gigs

Zakes Pub -- Daveyton

Bassline – Newtown

2009 Performances:

Bassline in Newtown

Shivava Caffe in Newtown

2008 Performances:

Taliban Club in Ga-Rankuwa

Masakeng Pub in Soweto

Brothers Jazz Café in Duduza

Ntitis Pub & Restuarent in Naturena

Zakes Pub in Daveyton

Corporate Gigs: Witbank and Woodmead

2007 Performances:

Thobela FM Jazz Festival in Polokwane Showground

Launch of Shivava Cafe in JHB City

Marula Festival in Phalaborwa

SABC Limpopo Regional Staff Awards

Middleburg Jazz Festival

2005/06 Performances:

A session with 440 at the SABC M3 Studios

A show with Jeff Maluleke in Polokwane

Performed with Ukulele at Carnival City for the Johnie Walker Launch

Performed with Echo Sounds, Ukulule as a percussionist for bands opening for Don Laka

Performed with Ukulele at the Carnival City as opening acts for Jabu Khanyile

Performed with Don Laka at State Theatre, launching his latest CD, the rebirth of kwaai Jazz and celebrating his 33 years in music business

Performed with Abigail Kubeka and 440 as percussionist for both bands at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg at the East Come Alive

Performed with Black Monk at the Carnival city as opening acts to Mlungisi Mgegana and Steve Dyer,.

Performed with Black Monk and Ukulele at the Carnival City as opening acts for Simphiwe Dana

Performed with Mina Nawe for the Golden Hearts Awards at Atlas Studios in Auckland Park

Performed with Don Laka at the Convention Centre for Cell Sound of the City Concert- sharing stage with with likes of Zamajobe, Malaika, Mafikizolo, Brown Dash, Karen Zoid, Mzekezeke and Izinyoka and DJ Oskido on turntables.

Recording session with Mina Nawe for their forthcoming album due to be released later this year

Video shoot with Jeff Maluleke for the Afro Jazz Caffe which plays on Monday 10:00 on SABC 2.

Performed with Don Laka at Moretele Park for the Tribute to SA Music Heroes Concert, sharing stage with the likes of Mathapelo Heritage School, Mbombela, Richy Molefe, Jimmy Dludlu, Ntando, simphiwe Dana, Jonas Gwangwa, Bhuduza, Stimela, Hugh Masekela, mafikizolo, Ringo Mandlingozi, Tshepo Tshola and Malaika.

Performed with lira at the Atlas Studios for the News Café gala dinner

Performed with Ukulele at Carnival City as opening act for Ringo Madlingozi, sharing stage with Flaming Souls

Featured on percussion on 440's latest CD (Us + Them = 1)

Performed with Thandi klaasen at renaming of Kofifi

Performed with Abigail Kubheka at Carousel Hotel

Performed with 440 at Garhamstown Arts Festival

First performance as solo artist at the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz at Shivava Café in Newtown

Nominated for the new comer ( Xitsonga Music awards)

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL/PERFORMANCE

Performed in Germany as part of the Gauteng Music Academy – performed with the German Orchestra

Perfomed with Dona Laka in Russia at Hyatt Hotel in Kazakhstan, Moscow and Le Club Jazz Pub