Webxter

From 2014 Xolani Mdawe (Webxter) played music that closely reflected his life experience. The agony, conflict, and exploitation faced by South Africa during the 1950s and 1960s inspired and influenced him to make music and also spread political change. He is an artist who in his music vividly portrayed the struggles and sorrows, as well as the joys and passions of his country. His music protest about apartheid, slavery, government; the hardships individuals are still living.

The enjoyment of combining and experimenting with different genres and the desire for creating his own music has had a strong impact on Xolani Mdawe’s career. His interest only developed towards jazz through some random encounters with improvised music.
He has founded his solo project FIRSTLANGUAGE where he fusses jazz with morden african sounds.
He controls the saxophone and piano in such a way that I can only describe as both forceful and graceful – a contradiction of elegance and pure physical power,he creates an exciting and poetic concert experience. He brings the traditions of deep expression and singing piano tone to a wide range of repertoire... but creates something less conventional where everyone feels welcomed.

The South African saxophonist, pianist and composer music reflects many of the musical influences of his childhood in the multicultural port areas of Johannesburg, ranging from traditional African songs to the gospel, to more modern jazz and other Western styles. Within jazz, his music particularly reflects the influence of Bheki Mseleku, Winston Mankunku, hugh Masekela, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrain and Charlie Parker.