Swing City was born out of the love of swing music from three of South Africa’s most loved artist’s. A harmless side comment from one musician to another ended up in a serious discussion about producing a three piece singing group, backed by a full jazz orchestra and band, celebrating their love of jazz, swing and blues, but adding a modern day twist to the genre.
Swing City consists of Lonehill Estate’s Nathan Ro, whose love for swing music has always engrossed the pop/rock singer’s iPod, Graeme Watkins, whose background in music and theatre started as a swing singer long before his success on Idols or in his indie rock band “The Graeme Watkins Project”; and Loyiso Bala, whose classically trained background in music saw the singer as part of the TKZee crew, the Bala brothers in classical song and in the pop world in his own successful career.
Modern Day Swing Music, inspired by the likes of the Rat Pack, Michael Buble, Robbie Williams.
The three singers of Swing City, already friends, jokingly commented what fun it would be to start a swing band. It would be tears later, that they took the idea seriously, got into a rehearsal space with their friends from Figure of * productions and Swing City was born!
MEMBERS:
Graeme Watkins
Graeme has always been involved with theatre, drama and music. After completing a degree in Theatre and Performance at UCT, he followed a career in music where he formed a Swing trio called “It’s a Swing Thing”.
Graeme took a chance by entering Idols, and ended up the runner up in the annual talent search. The Graeme Watkins Project” has since gone on to produce “Corridors of the mind” and have had several chart topping hits, 2 SAMA nominations, a YOU Spectacular and MKTV nomination and performed at the prestigious MuseXpo in Hollywood in 2012.
Also a voiceover artist, actor, TV presenter and MC, Graeme was also a Fleur De Cap Nominee for Theatre.
Nathan Ro
Nathan started his musical journey as runner up on the reality TV show “Project Fame”. He was subsequently offered a record deal with BMG with his band Lonehill Estate. Three albums & a SAMA nomination later, the band achieved three #1’s on 5fm and two international performances in Los Angeles and Montreux. Nathan also played the part of ‘Tim’ in day-time drama, IsiDingo for two years. Nathan met Graeme while on tour, and met Loyiso on set at One Gospel.
Loyiso Bala
Loyiso is no stranger to the South African music and television industry. After completing his education at Drakensburg Boys High, and being very involved in the Drakensburg Boys Choir, Loyiso began his professional career as an extension of the TKZee crew.
He since went on to grow his personal career and secured several chart topping hits including the most played song of 2009 – I Want You. Loyiso is also part of the family group, The Bala Brothers, and is an all-round entertainer, MC and present
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel for Swing City
Riaad Moosa is a medical doctor and both his parents are doctors and all his aunts and uncles are doctors. But his dad has always said to him, “Riaad, you can do anything you want to in this world….as long as you become an orthopaedic surgeon first.” Having trained as a comedy magician, Riaad was […]
Watershed, one of the most successful and well-loved bands ever to come out of South Africa, will be celebrating 20 years in 2020. This multi-platinum selling band have released 6 studio albums so far, along with a greatest hits album during their 20 year career, as well as receiving 2 SAMA awards for best pop […]
Mpho Maboi is a commanding presence on any stage, celebrated across South Africa as a premier event emcee who brings unmatched poise, energy, and finesse to every occasion. With a career that spans both television and radio, she seamlessly blends professionalism with authenticity, ensuring every event is memorable, smooth, and impactful. Her magnetic charisma and […]
Darren Whackhead Simpson has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated stand-up comedians, leaving audiences in stitches with his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and relatable humor. For over two decades, Darren has consistently filled venues across the country with his live performances, captivating audiences from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Known for his ability to connect […]
Allon Raiz is regarded both locally and globally as a pioneer and maverick in the business-incubation industry. He is the founder and CEO of Raizcorp which, according to The Economist, is the only genuine incubator in Africa and which currently supports over 500 businesses. Allon is the author of two best-selling entrepreneurial books – Lose […]
Alan Committie is a comedic force of nature, revered as one of South Africa’s leading comics with a stage presence that is both dynamic and endearing. A master of multiple crafts—stand-up comic, actor, director, producer, and even a fully qualified high school teacher—Alan blends wit with wisdom in a way that few performers can. With […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
