James Bassingthwaighte
Bio
Winner of the 2010 SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition for Composers and 2010 SAMA nominee for Best Producer, James graduated at the University of Cape Town, specializing in Jazz and Big Band arranging. While still at the university, James successfully ran and conducted the 20-piece big band, Junction (021) and following that, The Sticky Triggers, one of South Africa’s most in-demand session bands.
As a musical director/arranger, James has worked with a host of South Africa’s top stars, including (among others) Timothy Moloi, Loyiso Bala, Judith Sephuma, Lira, Thandi Klaasen, Ian von Memerty and Robbie Wessels. He currently heads Thatch Music, where he specializes in live recordings and broadcast performances, some of his recent events being: Skouspel 2012/2013 (live DVD recording), African Union 50th Celebration 2013 (international broadcast), SA Music Awards 2013/2014, Metro FM Music Awards 2014 and the Kyknet Fiesta Awards 2014 (nationwide broadcasts).