On the Couch - #111 - MEX in conversation with Billy Monama

Billy Monama is a guitarist, author, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. He’s also the founder and the Managing Director of The Grazroots Project. 

I chatted to him of the festive season of 2023.

In 1997, Monama began his journey with the guitar, inspired by the music of his childhood, which combined traditional ethnic sounds, African gospel and jazz. 

In 2016, Billy and Andy Innes released their album Brothers, a collection of original pieces written and arranged for the acoustic guitar in traditional styles.

In October 2017, he released his debut album Rebounce. 

Three years later, he released tutorial videos about South African guitar styles, all why accepting multiple invitations to guest on other artists projects.

Monama has worked with artists including Themba Mkhize, Abdullah Ibrahim, Andile Yenana, Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Ntoni, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubeka, amongst many more.