Born from a non-musical family and raised in the previously disadvantaged township of
Soweto in the south of Johannesburg, Siyabulela Satsha took an early liking to the drums,
as a kid growing up in church.
His uncle a sound engineer at the time, noticed his nephews gift and began to pour into him
by cultivating the boys God given gift. Who would then take him to band rehearsals and
early Sunday morning sound checks.
Sabu used these opportunities to learn and study some of the musicians he admired.
As Sabu grew up he eventually landed up in the church band at the age of 9, and became
principal drummer by age 12. In 2004 while most were still learning their craft, Sabu
became resident drummer for a gospel TV music show titled “Its Gospel Time” As the
youngest member of the band at age 14 Sabu caught the attention of producer and record
label executive Tshepo Ndzimande who went on to book the young drummer for his stable
and was shortly promoted to musical director.
The record label then adviced his parents to enroll him in an arts school, where in 2005
Sabu gained entry to The National School of Arts after an awesome audition, also winning
him the Yamaha young talent competition.
Soon after this Sabu was recommended by the school for small sessions and gigs, by the
end of 2007 he had landed a spot in the biggest African gospel brand (Joyous Celebration),
in which he has recorded 9 volumes thus far. Since then Sabu has become the biggest
gospel drummer in South Africa and also breaking into other genres.
Sabu’s hard work, innate talent, and gifted ability has been recognized by artists, producers
and musicians around the world, enabling him to also maintain a consistent schedule as a
clinician and a session drummer who has recorded a lot of albums and live projects. He is
growing in the industry as one of the most sought after musicians.
Sabu is currently touring and recording with different projects and has become more of an
Independant session drummer, and he continues to grow spiritually, professionally and
musically. He is also an inspiration to many and already a legend to some.
10 май 2021
