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 […]
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
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Dr. Jacques Ludik is a visionary leader in the field of artificial intelligence, renowned for his innovative contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder of multiple AI companies, an award-winning AI leader, and a prolific author, Dr. Ludik has established himself as a pivotal figure in the advancement of smart technology. With a Ph.D. in […]
Josina Machel holds an MSc degree in Sociology (Gender) from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Social Science, Sociology and Political Science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Following a horrific domestic violence attack that left her blind in one eye, Ms. Machel founded the Kuhluka Movement, […]
Neil Andrews is married and has two children. Neil Andrews went to school in Cape Town and completed a BA degree and HDE at UCT. Neil has worked in Sports-casting for over 20 years and began his broadcasting career as an announcer, race commentator and journalist for the Cape Turf Clubs. From 1991 -2000, Neil […]
Alan Knott-Craig is a luminary figure in the realm of entrepreneurship and social innovation, renowned for his unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide in Africa. As a highly successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and visionary leader, he has left an indelible mark on both the business landscape and the community at large. At the helm […]
Kate Moodley is an accomplished business woman with a number of academic qualifications which includes a Masters in Law. She began her career in legal but quickly moved into the financial services industry and insurance in particular. Kate has gone from strength to strength starting as a Candidate Attorney with Deneys Reitz. She became a […]
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 […]
Thabo Limema is a banking professional with local, regional, and international experience spanning over 10 years. Throughout his career, which started and still is in corporate & investment banking (CIB), he’s always sought to build his skills & capabilities to be a world class banker, who provides exceptional service and expertise his clients. He entered […]
Rob Caskie shares his Stories of human trials and triumphs never go out of vogue, and mesmerising storyteller extraordinaire, with his walking stick and trademark shorts, brings them alive like no other.
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
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
