Married to music
BILLY MONAMA: DEBUT ALBUM IS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF HIS MILESTONES
‘Composing a song is similar to pregnancy for me.’
His many fans have his mom to thank for dragging him to church every Sunday without fail because that’s where he became interested in playing the guitar, which led to him discovering his flair for music.
Jazz musician Billy Monama first picked up a guitar in 1997 and 21 years later he finds it hard to put it down.
Church was the beginning of his long and challenging musical journey to get where he is today, which has nevertheless been worthwhile.
“After matric I wanted to study music, but my parents disproved, so I resorted to studying Political Science, but continued to play the guitar,” he said.
He would watch music students going to class and yearn to follow his musical calling.
“This is when I decided to go on a boycott and told my parents that I will not go back to school if they don’t allow me to follow my dream.
“I then got my chance to study music,” Monama said.
His first paying gig was with gospel star Deborah Fraser.
Monama, who is also a composer and band leader, says composing a song comes naturally for him.
“If a melody comes to me twice, then it’s a song. You always want to make sure it’s a composition.
“It comes in stages, just like pregnancy. When we get to the studio we give birth to the song.
“You just have to be patient and not force creativity.”
Monama released his debut album, Rebounce, in October last year. He sees the album as an autobiography of the significant milestones in his life.
“Rebounce is doing well. Each day about two people buy the album.
“It has received a great response and has actually sold out in Musica.”
He says although the name is not in any dictionary, for him it means bouncing back from all life’s experiences and also refers to the fact that when he composes music it bounces back in notes.
He recorded the album in 2009, but had to re-record in 2014 due to financial setbacks and lack of financial backing. But he is grateful for the delay today.
“Despite it all, looking back I feel that I wasn’t ready. I have grown so much musically now,” he said. Although some people still call him a jazz musician, he feels the label is somewhat limiting, as he has worked with different musicians who tackle diverse music genres. “My relationship with music is the only relationship I know. “When I leave the stage I feel like my life is about to stop.
“Music is the only thing I have done since my teen years. I have invested a lot in it.
“Me and music are basically married in community of property. We can’t separate, and there is no turning back,” he said, laughing.
“People will disappoint you. Music has been with me. It has never failed me.”
The Limpopo-born guitarist believes God has chosen him to be an instrument of change through music.
“No event can start or be without music. Music contributes largely to people’s lives.
“It has the power to change moods. It has a lot to do with fun, spirituality and intercessions.”
Monama says authenticity in music is everything for him. He does not aim to create music that will be a hit for a month, preferring to compose songs that will stand the test of time.
“I grew up knowing that jazz is what revives the history and reconnects people with South Africa’s musical heritage and history to create a new sound.”
My relationship with music is the only relationship I know.