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Quick Facts
Born
1989
1989
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Xolani Gift Skhosana, better known as Xolani Guitars, is a South African guitarist, composer, producer, and session musician whose distinctive sound has become a familiar feature in contemporary Amapiano and house music. Hailing from Tembisa, Johannesburg, he has built a reputation for bringing warmth, emotion, and live instrumentation to modern African music through his expressive guitar playing.
His love for music began during his teenage years when a friend introduced him to a four-string guitar. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Largely self-taught, Xolani spent years developing his craft, drawing inspiration from renowned guitarists such as Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Butler, George Benson, Norman Brown, and B.B. King. Their influence helped shape the soulful and melodic style that has become his signature.
Before stepping onto major stages, Xolani performed with the Tembisa-based group Jazzmeloz, playing jazz, soul, and house music at local events and community gatherings. Although he worked as a customer service consultant at an airport, his passion for music ultimately outweighed the security of a conventional career. In 2012, he took a leap of faith, leaving his job behind to pursue music full-time.
His breakthrough arrived in 2014 after a chance meeting with singer Bantu Soul, which led to a performance on SABC1's Live AMP. The appearance introduced him to a national audience and opened the door to collaborations with some of South Africa's most respected artists. Over the years, he has shared studio and stage space with the likes of Black Coffee, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Sam Deep, Murumba Pitch, MFR Souls, Sjava, and Madala Kunene.
As the Amapiano movement gained momentum, Xolani's guitar work became increasingly sought after. He played a notable role on Kabza De Small's landmark release "I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet and Dust" and has contributed to numerous popular recordings. His musical credits include songs such as "Khusela," "Superman," "Tintsumi," "Mapiano Blues," "Many Faces," "Qula," "Kumnandi," and "Dali." His ability to blend traditional musicianship with contemporary production has made him one of the country's most recognizable session guitarists.
Beyond his work behind the scenes, Xolani has steadily grown into an artist in his own right. His catalogue includes collaborations and releases such as "Nana Thula," "Gama Lami," "Funani," "Hlala," "When We Play," and "Kumnandi," showcasing his versatility and creative range.
His contributions to the industry have earned increasing recognition, including a nomination for Rookie Instrumentalist at the Backing Vocalists and Session Musicians Awards (BVSMA), an accolade that celebrates the often-unsung talents working behind the music.
Away from the spotlight, Xolani remains passionate about nurturing future talent. He has spoken openly about his dream of creating opportunities for young musicians from township communities through music education and mentorship initiatives. For him, success is not only about personal achievement but also about helping others discover and develop their own gifts.