Tananas | |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa |
| Genres | Jazz-fusion |
| Years active | 1987–1993 |
| Labels | Gallo, Sony |
| Members | Steve Newman Gito Baloi Ian Herman |
Tananas (pronounced tuh-naa-nuhs) is a South African band formed in 1987. Originally it consisted of Gito Baloi (bass and vocals), Ian Herman (drums and percussion) and Steve Newman (acoustic guitar).[1] First recorded by the independent label Shifty Records,[2] Tananas combined jazz, Mozambican salsa and township jive (or mbaqanga). They released eight albums, the last two on the Sony label.
Tananas built a loyal following in their home country from the late 1980s, and performed at WOMAD festivals around the world. They worked individually or as a band with Paul Simon and Sting,[3] and shared stages with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Suzanne Vega and Youssou N'dour.[4]
The band broke up in 1993 but reunited for some performances until Gito was shot dead in Johannesburg on April 4, 2004 while on his way home from a concert in Pretoria.[5] He was 39 years old.