Formed in 1994 - through the influence of their mother - Kwela Tebza is made up of three brothers Mpho, Tebogo and Tshepo Lerole. And their trademark? The pennywhistle – an instrument not automatically endowed in their genes, but had to learn to master. The Diepkloof, Soweto born trio draws influence from the country’s heritage as well as continuing their father and uncle’s Kwela music legacy. It all began when their father, the legendary Elias “Shamba” Lerole received two pennywhistles as a Christmas present from his uncle at the age of 10 years old. His brother Jack “Big Voice” Lerole later joined him and they formed a musical group called Alaxander Shamba Boys. Under EMI they released the hit track Tom Hark in 1957. Kwela music originated from street corner music comprising of the pennywhistle. At times a guitar and or backing whistles would be used to enhance the sound.