Born in Soweto, South Africa, Mokale Koapeng is a humble yet world-renown composer, lecturer, director and conductor. He has worked with a wide variety of national and international musicians and groups, including Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela and British vocal group I Fagiolini (which he considers to be his favorite collaboration).
His works carry diversity that is woven together by conscious intent. In 2006 he composed and conducted the world premiere of Cantus in Memoria ’76 at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976. He has also composed music for the National Symphony Orchestra; University of Pretoria Chorale; Musicatreize, the French instrumental and vocal ensemble; the Sontonga String Quartet; and the Unisa Foundation Youth Orchestra.
Currently, Koapeng has relocated to Zambia where he lectures at Rusango University. Mokale Koapeng founded the Soweto Youth Jazz Orchestra, co-developed a concept called “Intyilo Kantu: Melodies of the Wise” and is the Music Director of SDASA Chorale. He comes from a strong musical background but in describing his musical influences he holds high acclmation to Pedi dancers who danced on a small soccer field nearby on Sundays and played traditional music. “Their music got so etched in my mind, I can still hear it playing. This has stayed with me for life. Also, we lived near the Mzimhlophe male hostel, where the first so-called ‘black-on-black’ violence took place in 1977.”
“I find playing music to be an outlet for expressing my thoughts, emotions and state at any given time. But I also find listening to it soothing and good for redirecting my energy.”- Mokale Koapeng
