About Philip Tabane
Lived 1934 – 2018 (aged 84). Philip Tabane was a guitarist, composer and musician.
Philip Tabane (25 March 1934 – 18 May 2018) was a South African musician, vocalist, jazz guitarist and band leader.
He was born in rural Ga Ramotshegoa northeast of Pretoria into a family of guitarists. His mother was a spiritual healer.
He led the group Malombo, sometimes also known as The Malombo Jazzmen, His music was heavily influenced by Sepedi chants and rhythms which are reputed to have spiritual healing powers. His chants invoked the powers of departed ancestors. His music was very popular among participants in the early years of the Black Consciousness Movement.
Tabane had significant international success and played with musicians of the calibre of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.
He died in Pretoria at the age of 84.
Discography
Castle Lager Jazz Festival 1964 - 1964 The Indigenous Afro-Jazz Sounds Of Phillip Tabane and His Malombo Jazzmen — 1969 Man Philly - 1986 Philip Tabane & Malombo - 1988 Unh! — 1989 Silent Beauty - 1989 Ke A Bereka - 1996 Muvhango — 1998 Live at the Market Theatre - 2010
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Important facts
People in Philip Tabane's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Philip Tabane?
South African musician, vocalist, jazz guitarist and band leader (1934–2018)
When was Philip Tabane born?
Philip Tabane was born on 25 March 1934 in Mamelodi.
When did Philip Tabane die?
Philip Tabane died on 18 May 2018 in Pretoria.
What was Philip Tabane's occupation?
Philip Tabane was a guitarist, composer and musician.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Philip Tabane. https://biography.guide/philip-tabane/
MLA: "Philip Tabane." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/philip-tabane/.
Chicago: "Philip Tabane." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/philip-tabane/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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