Shen practices with two drummers so that if one is unavailable he has a back up. So although 5 names are mentioned, the band consists of 4 on stage.
Shen Winberg
Born in Cape Town, Shen Winberg spent his early childhood between the African rhythms of rural Limpopo village, Mbhokota, and the high-flying sirens of Johannesburg.
Informed by the diverse sounds of the South African landscape, Shen picked up his guitar at the tender age of ten and, returning home to Cape Town, began his musical career.
His repertoire is best described as an energetic and lyrical blend of soft rock and African eccentricity, with the unmistakable undercurrent of jazz. As a professional musician with a degree in music from the University of Cape Town, Shen adds the classic blues, Latin and jazz collections to his own original range of compositions.
Shen’s career has already had yielded some notable highlights that have entrenched his reputation – he played at Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Bash at the Ubuntu Festival in 2009 where he collaborated with the legendary Jimmy Dludlu. In the same year, he performed in front of international media at the 2010 FIFA World Cup press event and also played at the annual Loerie Awards Ceremony.
Shen is passionate about music and involves himself in Charity projects, teaching music and helping other artists get started. Shen teaches, conducts and mentor’s a township musical ensemble every year that is sent to Sweden to enter the “World’s Children’s prize for the rights of the Child” competition recently won by a group representing the Mandela’s Children Fund. There they get the opportunity to perform for the Queen of Sweden and a host of other international delegates.
When not performing or teaching, Shen can be found surfing, drawing or sitting in a coffee shop writing his next song!
The release of his first album, Rhythm of the Seasons, is a showcase of Shen’s unique lyrics and compositions reflecting his strongly African influence. It places him on the edge of the new generation genre – a blend of style, a fusion of elements – richly drawn together by his virtuosity as a guitarist and composer.
Omar Kimmie attended The National School of the Arts from 2001-2003 where he graduated with a National Senior Certificate in Contemporary Music. In 2007 he graduated from The South African College of Music (UCT) with a Performance Diploma in Jazz Music. He is a professional, working session bassist, producer and sound engineer. He has performed with many of South Africa’s top musicians and has opened stages for world-renowned international acts such as Lynton Kwesi Johnson and Slum Village.
Kurt Diedericks has been on the live music scene for the last ten years playin both locally and nationally. He has toured with many bands at festivals across the country. Kurt is a multi instrumentalist and composer in various genres. He has his groundings in jazz music but is open to all new and progressive sounds. He has played music across the spectrum of all genres.
Domenico Juliano Benigno is our Italian import. Studied for 3 years. Advanced music diploma. Piano being 1 of 8 instruments he plays. Been a lounge band on a cruise line, hotel pianist in downtown Chicago and resident band in Sun city. Won the emerging sounds battle of the bands in 2001. First song on radio in 2002. Performed with the likes of Wyclef Jean of the fugees, Obita, Loyiso, HHP, Jon Sergeant, RJ Benjamin, Ard Mathews of Just Jinger and many more. Dom has played at most of the major festivals in South Africa.
Adam Coolsaet began his musical pursuit at the young age of 13 years in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Adam rose through the ranks of the Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band under the direction of Russ Weil. Once finishing high school, Adam moved to Montreal Quebec to study at McGill University with drum Professor Chris McCann. Following two years of jazz performance studies at McGill, Adam ventured to the glamorous cruise ship gig in order to finance relocation to New Orleans. Adam spent roughly three years at sea performing with countless international acts with several cruise ship companies. In New Orleans, Louisiana, Adam became a part of the local musician scene and was spotted regularly in New Orleans venues across the town. Besides the wonderful experiences gained performing with New Orleans musicians, Adam had the privilege to study with New Orleans drum legend, Johnny Vidacovich. Presently Adam is living in Cape Town South, Africa. Recently, Adam graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Jazz Music Education with a distinction in drum kit. Adam spends his days teaching at various institutions around Cape Town, at night performing regularly with some of Cape Town’s finest musicians.
