Stand Up is Oupa Makhubela's newly released album that is simply begging for an audience. Brimming full of smooth sounds, complete with soulful  catchy tunes, the album is anchored on his snazzy guitar strumming skills. An enthusiastic guitarist, Poy Poy as he's affectionately called, gets so immersed in his music that he's become a favourite at events. Fans just love the way he gives his heart and soul to, something they attribute to his always-stunning delivery.   Modest yet clear that in order for him to test the depth of his talent, the only litmus paper he can use is dropping his own CD and taking it from there, he is forging ahead with the mission.   “I've called my album Stand Up because I believe the time has come for me to put my faith in my fans" he says, adding that for now he does not have plans to go solo.

Displaying a lot of growth and an aptitude for brilliant compositions, he fuses his varied experiences on local and international stages, while retaining that winning and magical African influence of Afro-pop.

Tracks like Ke Thabela Ha Ontsu Mpona which is on his previous album, seem to have been injected with a new life. Out of nine captivating instrumental tracks, only three boast vocals. A tribute to a mother who is proud of his son's achievement, Poy Poy says it was important to acknowledge her contribution to his upbringing in the way he knew how -music.

Intent on producing music and making a mark, Poy Poy says Stand Up is his third album. Unity his debut offering and African Spirit, proved his ability although it did not do well in the sales units. Unfazed, the guitarist says it's making music that matters to him. “It does not mean that I don’t intend to play in the big league in the near future” he said, with a smile.

Poy Poy is well known as one of Don Laka’s crew with whom he's worked for years. The ultimate question though is, who is this often well turned out guitarists who has carved a niche and a huge following in kwaai-jazz circles?

A guitarist whose passion for music flows in the same veins his blood does. Poy Poy has been in the music industry since 1975. He cut his professional teeth with a band called The Young Movers. Although they were popular in the community, the ambitious Muso felt like taking his talents to a broader platform. That's when he joined Don Laka, a move that has not only established him as a guitarist, but has exposed him to many influences that are continuously shaping him into the artists he is.

Testimony to his prowess on the guitar is the number of times local musicians have leaned on his strumming skills. They range from Bongo Maffin, BOP (Brothers Of Peace), Thebe, Mafikizolo, Lebo Mathosa and Christos.

Highlights of the budding career that is finally going somewhere include playing with international luminaries like Earl Klugh, David Sanborn and The Crusaders.

While his long music relationship with Don Laka remains intact, Poy Poy plans to continue releasing brilliant albums that will finally make the industry sit up and take notice.