Gito Baloi

Gito Baloi (September 30, 1964 – April 4, 2004) was an African musician, from Mozambique. Originally known for his collaborations and as a member of the trio Tananas, his haunting voice and bass guitar also shine through his solo albums "Ekhaya" (1995), Na Ku Randza" (1997), "Herbs & Roots" (2003) and the posthumously released "Beyond" (2008). Gito worked with Jason Armstrong in 1996 and 2000 on two albums, Desert Voices, and was bass player in the band Somewhere Else along with Armstrong (keyboards), George Sunday (guitar) and Gaston Goliath (drums) during 1993. Baloi sang vocals in the song "Mountain Wind" on the album "Bush Telegraph" by Landscape Prayers, and was also credited on the album for production and mixing. In 2004, Baloi recorded "Sweet-Thorn", a duo album with Landscape Prayers guitarist Nibs van der Spuy.
In 2008, "Beyond", a posthumous album, was released, with 100% of its proceeds going to the Gito Baloi Memorial Trust, which was set up for Baloi's children. Gito had begun recording the 10 tracks and the production was completed by Dave Reynolds and guests including Steve Newman (Tananas), Paul Hanmer, Ian Herman (Tananas), McCoy Mrubata, Moses Khumalo, Pedro Da Silva Pinto (340ml), Tlale Makhene, Tony Cox, Frank Paco, Nibs Van Der Spuy, Deepak Ram, Rui Soeiro (340ml), Bernice Boikanyo, Paulo Chibanga (340ml), Thuli Mdlalose, Eliot Short, Vusi Maseko and Graeme Sacks.

Felix Garcao do Rosario Serafim Bernardo Baloi, better known by his nickname "Gito", was born in Matola, Mozambique. He grew up on his family's farm with his mother, father, and siblings. He was the oldest son. As a teenager, Gito left home because of the civil war and its after effects. He headed for South Africa with a few friends, in hope of finding a better life.

Before his death Gito had traveled extensively and worked with a numerous musicians from South Africa and internationally. One particular project he was involved with was The Shuttle Band, which featured musicians from Europe and South Africa.

Gito was married to South African artist, Erika Hibbert. They have two daughters together - Lorha, born in 1996, and Tiva, 1997.

He was shot dead in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 4, 2004 while on his way home from a concert in Pretoria, leaving behind 2 young kids and his wife. He was 39 years old.

A memorial mural of Baloi by Breeze Yoko on Nugget street - the site of Gito's death.