Musician

Profile of Leslie Jooste

Musician, composer, vocalist.

Leslie was born in Cape Town on September 7, 1964. He started playing the guitar in his late teens. His music ability was inherited from his late father who was also a musician. As a self taught musician, Leslie later started singing and landed his first performance “job” as guitarist/vocalist in a church band in the 80’s. He soon migrated to secular music and started doing the local club circuit. His late brother, Eddie Jooste, played the bass guitar on some of his gigs in the early years.

Over the years Leslie has been a front man for numerous pop and funk bands and the shift from one genre to another was hardly noticeable. He’s teamed up with the likes of Charles Louw, George Werner, Nazeem Brown, Hilton Schilder, Trevor Parker, Sam Hoffmeister and Blackie Tempi to name but a few. In the mid 90’s he fronted the popular 8 piece fusion band Final Connection with Victor Kula leading the brass section. Other bands he fronted includes Impact, Night Flight, Positive Force, Equinox, Curves Ahead, Octave, Mocca Java, Out of the Blue, Touch Down, Crossover and Simply Smooth.

In 2004 Leslie made yet another transition. This time,from pop/fusion/R&B to Jazz. He teamed up with longtime friend, and fellow muso George Werner who started The Supper Club at Swingers. Here he was required to sing mainly jazz standards and he soon fell in love with this new-to him- genre of music. It was his love for Jazz that saw him perform at very exquisite venues and functions. He teamed up with pianist Ephron Maralak and continues to perform at high profile government functions some of which include Ministers of Cabinet as well as Ambassadors of foreign countries.

In 2006 Leslie signed a 6 month contract to perform abroad. He performed at the highly acclaimed Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with a six piece pop/ jazz band from South Africa, with Eldrid Schilder on bass.

Leslie has composed quite a few songs but has never recorded any. In January 2008 he was invited to participate in the live recording of Summer in Cape Town at Arts Cape. He can be heard on track six of the album singing L.O.V.E. The CD is available from Jazz Potjie Projects at local record stores.

Currently Leslie is working with Charles Louw and his band Atlantique on a new project as well as playing the bass guitar and singing for The Mamela Band. He is also teaching music at Edendale Primary in Mannenberg for Mamela, a community based project started by Charles Louw in the 90’s.In March 2012 Leslie started the four piece band, Black Velvet.

Leslie Jooste Resides in Bridgetown, Athlone on the Cape Flats and is a full time musician. Contact him on: +277*-***-**** or email: *********@*****.***