LOCAL musician, instrument maker and ethno-musicologist Joe Makhanza is one of the people who are making sure that indigenous music does not die in this country.

Makhanza, who comes from Malamulele in Giyani, Limpopo, is an exceptional artist who creates traditional instruments. He regards himself as the first man in South Africa to create these West African instruments.

He makes instruments such as the kora, kamale ngoni, masinko and others. In South Africa, a kora instrument is played by Pops Mohammed, while in Mali it is used by Mamadou Diabate.

Kamale ngoni is another traditional instrument made popular by Mamadou Sidibe, also from Mali.

"In making these instruments, I use material that I mostly buy in Mali and Senegal. I am passionate about keeping our own culture alive. It is crucial to know where we come from," Makhanza says.

Makhanza is currently teaching kids in a few selected government schools to make and play these instruments.

"Our kids are doing arts and culture in schools but they know nothing about these instruments. My aim is to have a website where they can view and learn about them."

Makhanza grew up listening to his grandmother singing. His obsession with the instruments started when he enrolled at Wits University for a degree in jazz music. He says while doing a research he came across the history of indigenous music which really fascinated him.

"I abandoned jazz music and focused on traditional music. I then became interested to know about these instruments. The next step was to make them."

Makhanza has worked with musicians such as Tu Nokwe, Tlale Makhene and Bheki Khoza, among many others.