The group, Loading Zone, started performing in Johannesburg backing Brenda Fassie in 1990, soon after which they were offered their first independent gig at Kippies at the Market Theatre. After this great start they secured a residency at one of the funkiest clubs at the time, The Cotton Pub in Hillbrow. Although the group was doing cover versions mostly then, the public enjoyed the youthful and energetic renditions of music by Al Jarreau, Djavan, Tania Maria to name but a few.

The reputation they earned at The Cotton Pub soon spread and they were consequently invited to back Miriam Makeba. They had a very successful tour of Southern Africa, including Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Whilst performing in Windhoek, Namibia, Papa Wemba whom was at their gig was so impressed that he asked the group to audition as his backing band whilst he was touring Namibia and needless to say they spent two months in Namibia with him. Upon their return to South Africa they played with Chico Twala, Marc Alex and Mike Makhelemele. Some of the members of the group performed and recorded with artists such as Ray Phiri and Stimela, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Toto, Miriam Makeba and Simply Red.

Loading Zone has also performed at festivals around the country including the Truworths Man Festival in Cape Town, the Grahamstown Arts Festival in 1993 and 1994, the Arts Alive Festival, the Joy of Jazz, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Jazzathon in Cape Town and Pacofs in Bloemfentein.

Their diversity in the member’s skill, experience and background is evident in their wide repertoire, which includes traditional African standards, Jazz, Afro-pop, fusion and funk.

Loading Zone is one of the most energetic and versatile groups in Cape Town. Currently members, whom have all done high profile gigs all over the country with the best musicians South Africa has to offer are:

They opened the show for renowned Jazz guitarist Ronnie Jordan in Cape Town. As a band and individually they have recorded some of the freshest CDs around with artists like Jimmy Dludlu (3 CDs), Swazi Dlamini and Musa Manzini. They have also backed artists like Allou April, Judith Sephuma, Sibongile Khumalo and the late Sipho Gumede. They have recorded 2 cds, namely “Long Overdue” and “Taking Off” respectively.

The Band members are: 

• Jaco Maria – Vocals

• Camillo Lombard – Keyboards

• John Hassan – Percussions

• Lucas Khumalo – Bass

• Moreira Chonguica – Saxophones

• Kevin Gibson – Drums

• Keegan Williams – Drums