The Story of Melt2000
NOBODY COMES TO SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT A MISSION - THE MELT 2000 VISION
(as quoted by maestro Herbert Scheubmayr, who gave of his soul to support local South African music)
MELT 2000 (Musical Energy & Loud Truth beyond 2000) started off as B&W Music. Early operations were based in the UK, and the label connected the region with the international world‑music scene. A key role was fostering the careers of artists such as Busi Mhlongo and Madala Kunene, and supporting numerous collaborations during that period. The label has been reshaping the global but especially the South African music landscape since 1994, measuring success not in sales but in meaning and cultural impact.
Grandpa Stiff Pap’s Mission
Founded by Swiss‑born Robert Trunz (also known Grandpa Stiff Pap or Temba), the label emerged strongly after the 1994 Outernational Meltdown Sessions in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Having toured with Airto and Flora Purim’s band Fourth World in Durban and Joburg in 1993 he was encouraged by maestro Herbert Scheubmayr in Durban to take on the mission of promoting South African artists.
Trunz returned to South Africa in 1994, bringing along international artists like Brazilian Airto Moreira and Jose Neto plus UK based Byron Wallen and Andrew Missingham.
In 1996 Robert Trunz left his CEO role at Bowers & Wilkins —a company known for both groundbreaking technical innovation and underground music culture.
A cross‑cultural melting styles
MELT 2000 became a platform for cross‑cultural melting styles, releasing groundbreaking albums by Madala Kunene, Madosini, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Mabi Gabriel Thobejane, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, Deepak Ram, Max Laesser, Amampondo, SHANA, Pops Mohamed, and the legendary Mam’ Busi Mhlongo.
Collaborative projects spanned continents—from South Africa and Switzerland to the UK, Cuba and Brazil—where artists appeared on each other’s records, merging instruments and traditions like the didgeridoo, kora, and Zulu umrubhe mouth‑bow.
Busi Mhlongo’s 1999 album Urban Zulu, released through MELT 2000, gained international acclaim, topping world‑music charts and showcasing Maskanda’s evolution through her voice. For Mhlongo, the label offered more than commercial success—it provided a home that cared for artists’ lives, health and dignity.
Though no longer active, MELT 2000, it’s progressive sub labels ElectricMelt and Blueroom Released rivalled and influence South Africa’s most progressive labels.
A Lasting Legacy
The MELT 2000 labels stand out as pioneering force in avant‑garde and world music, bridging jazz, trance, dub, kwaito, house, techno and traditional rhythms—and proving that a global village can thrive on collaboration rather than cultural domination.
Now celebrated through projects like MELT 2000 Revisited (M2KR), the label’s legacy continues. Originally founded in 1993, MELT 2000 was and remains dedicated to documenting and promoting the rich musical landscape of post‑apartheid Southern Africa.
A Lasting Legacy
The MELT 2000 labels stand out as pioneering force in avant‑garde and world music, bridging jazz, trance, dub, kwaito, house, techno and traditional rhythms—and proving that a global village can thrive on collaboration rather than cultural domination.
Now celebrated through projects like MELT 2000 Revisited (M2KR), the label’s legacy continues. Originally founded in 1993, MELT 2000 was and remains dedicated to documenting and promoting the rich musical landscape of post‑apartheid Southern Africa.
A cross‑cultural melting styles
Grandpa Stiff Pap’s Mission
NOBODY COMES TO SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT A MISSION
( as quoted by maestro Herbert Scheubmayr, who gave of his soul to support local South African music)
MELT 2000 (Musical Energy & Loud Truth beyond 2000) started off as B&W Music. Early operations were based in the UK, and the label connected the region with the international world‑music scene. A key role was fostering the careers of artists such as Busi Mhlongo and Madala Kunene, and supporting numerous collaborations during that period. The label has been reshaping the global but especially the South African music landscape since 1994, measuring success not in sales but in meaning and cultural impact.
The Story of Melt2000
M.E.L.T 2000 ARTISTS
MELT 2000 DISCOGRAPHY
Uniting Musicians From Different Generations
Forest Jam was a non-profit organization based in Durban, South Africa. The idea was born out of an Afro-Swiss gathering in the mountains of central Switzerland and co-founded by Robert Trunz, Fabio Meier, Matthias Abächerli, Glauco Cataldo, and Lesiba Frank Magongwa.
2014 – THE BIRTH OF FOREST JAM (MELCHTAL, SWITZERLAND)
During an extended stay in his home country, Robert Trunz — founder of the MELT 2000 label — met young Swiss musicians frustrated by the academic rigidity of music education. Motivated to offer a more organic and cross-cultural learning experience, he connected them with artists from Southern Africa. The first Forest Jam Club was established in 2014 in Switzerland, following a week-long international gathering in Melchtal. Students and professionals from South Africa, Madagascar, the Netherlands, and Brazil came together for an exchange of ideas, improvisation, and performance. Among the mentors were Madala Kunene, Olombelo Ricky, Rolf Schimmermann, Bafana Nhlapo and Frank Lesiba Magongwa & Michiel Westerhuiz. Trainees were Naima Grueth, Fabio Meier, Jessica NyLura, Matthias Abaecherli, Carlo Menet, Cyril Michel, Jul Dillier, Glauco Cataldo, Lobosch Grueter & Manuel Buechel . Sound Engineer Richard Edwards.
Funding for airfares, meals, and equipment (instruments, PA, and mixing desk) was mainly provided through and by Beatrice Pistor & Robert Trunz who were supported by friends, businesses and family. Students contributed by covering their accommodation and a small part of the teachers’ travel costs. The week was a success — a shared sense of community and creativity that inspired everyone involved. The decision was made to hold the next Forest Jam on African soil
2014/2015 – PREPARATION IN MADAGASCAR AND SOUTH AFRICA
October to December 2014, Robert Trunz and Matthias Abächerli (bass and violin) embarked on a three-month research journey in Madagascar, where they collaborated with amd were guests of Olombelo Ricky. Matthias toured with Ricky’s band, gaining valuable insights into Malagasy music. Plans were made for Forest Jam Madagascar 2015, set for April. By mid-December, Robert and Matthias travelled to South Africa to prepare for the project at a farm in Cullinan, near Pretoria. Musicians from various countries joined them, including:
Madala Kunene (guitar, South Africa)
Mabi Thobejane (Malombo drummer, South Africa)
Gontse Makhene (percussion, South Africa)
Lerato Lichaba (guitar, South Africa)
Carlo Menet (guitar, Switzerland)
Tarang Cissokho (kora and djembe, Senegal)
Fabio Meier (percussion, Switzerland)
RECORDINGS
Fabio had previously studied with the Cissokho griot family in Dakar, learning traditional djembe. He invited his teacher Tarang Cissokho to join Forest Jam, marking the start of a fruitful collaboration. Recordings were made at the farm under the leadership of Madala Kunene, Mabi Thobejane, Tarang Cissokho, Lerato Lichaba, Gontse Makhene, Fabio Meier & Matthias Abaecherli – engineered by Cornelius Nortje. Johannesburg based filmmakers Lungelo and Tolo Mntambo documented the sessions and produced two short films. Between February and March 2015, the Forest Jam Band performed in Johannesburg and Pretoria — at The Orbit, African Freedom Station, InsideOut in Soweto, and U-Zone in Pretoria. The Orbit concert drew wide acclaim and led to a live feature on Nicky B’s World Music Show on Kaya FM 95.9.
2015 – FOREST JAM MADAGASCAR
When Olombelo Ricky withdrew from the project, Forest Jam partnered with CGM Antananarivo (Centre Germano-Malagasy) — part of the Goethe Institute — whose director Eckehart Olszowski and coordinator Raja Rasamoelisoa provided essential support, from logistics and rehearsal spaces to sound engineers and accommodation. In mid-March 2015, the a cappella trio Sa-Roy from Toliara joined the Forest Jam ensemble. Rehearsals quickly evolved into public performances, including three shows in Antananarivo before the arrival of the remaining musicians. From late March, Zamba Andrianarimanana, master valiha player, became project leader in Madagascar, mentoring the group in traditional music and compositions. The April project brought together musicians from across continents: South Africa: Madala Kunene, Mabi Thobejane, Madagascar: Seva Berto, Solo, Zamba Senegal: Tarang Cissokho Switzerland: Glauco Cataldo, Naima Gürth, Camille Bosshardt Germany: Claus Boesser-Ferrari Swiss photojournalist Ernst A. (Aschi) Kehrli documented every rehearsal, concert, and journey.
Rehearsals were held at CGM, divided into groups led by the master musicians. The first concerts took place at Kudeta Club, followed by live radio sessions on RLI / No Comment. The band recorded The Bibliothèque Sessions in the CGM library — capturing songs by Madala Kunene, Zamba, Sa-Roy, Claus Boesser-Ferrari, Seva Berto, and Tarang Cissokho. The recordings between Madala, Matthias, and Claus became early prototypes for Forest Jam’s evolving fusion. A one-hour TV show was produced on April 9 and broadcast nationwide under TV Coulisse on April 12, featuring live performances and interviews. The following night, Forest Jam played for invited diplomats, artists, and press at CGM’s concert hall — a landmark event for cultural exchange. Diego Suarez Tour After Antananarivo, the group travelled 1,200 km north to Diego Suarez, performing at the Alliance Française for over 400 children, and closing with a memorable concert in the ruins of Jardin Tropique — an open-air show lit by projections and candles. Spontaneous sessions continued at Hotel Badamera, recorded by Matthias. Sadly, during the final night, a burglary resulted in the loss of Robert’s laptop, cameras, and all recordings — a devastating setback that could not overshadow the positive spirit and deep bonds formed on the tour
2016 – FOREST JAM SENEGAL
Forest Jam Senegal developed around two strong connections. The first was the partnership with members of the Cissokho Griot family in Dakar, whose family home and training centre provided deep access to centuries-old West African traditions. The second was the Swiss–Senegalese trio Siselabonga, formed by Tarang Cissokho, Fabio Meier, and Glauco Cataldo. Their collaboration fused traditional West African music with contemporary Swiss soundscapes, creating an authentic dialogue between rhythm and melody. Together, these partnerships embodied Forest Jam’s core values — cultural exchange, respect for tradition, and the blending of diverse musical voices into new and meaningful forms.
2016 – SOUTHERN AFRICA TOUR WITH MADALA KUNENE & CHICO ANTÓNIO
The 2016 Forest Jam Southern Africa Tour covered South Africa and Mozambique, with performances in Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto, and Maputo. The tour featured two acts — The Forest Jam Groove Band and Madala Kunene with Chico António — produced by Robert Trunz.
Participants:
Mozambique: Matchume Zango (timbila, vocals), Chico António (vocals, guitar)
South Africa: Madala Kunene, Mabi Thobejane, Bernard Mndaweni, Nicky Shange, Gontse Makhene, Lerato Lichaba
Switzerland: Jul Dillier (piano), Carlo Menet (guitar), Cyrill Michel (vocals/guitar), Matthias Abächerli (bass/violin) A highlight of the tour was the tribute to Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, with the band performing Wa Mpona as a gesture of respect to the late South African jazz legend.
2017 – SA-ROY AND THE FOREST JAM BAND
Following their Madagascar debut, Sa-Roy collaborated again with the Forest Jam Band — Matthias Abächerli, Fabio Meier, and Gontse Makhene, joined at times by Madala Kunene. Their debut album Pelakolo told the story of three young men from the Androy region of southern Madagascar. Written by Soaraza Patrick Thomas, the songs explored friendship, hardship, corruption, climate change, and resilience.
Recorded in Tulear and Durban, the album featured contributions from Lerato Lichaba, Zoe Molelekwa, Mabi Thobejane, Gontse Makhene, and Madala Kunene, produced by Matthias Abächerli and executive-produced by Robert Trunz. The 2017 SADC tour took the band through Southern Africa, spreading the spirit of collaboration first forged in 2015.
2018 – THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
In 2018, Madala Kunene and the late Mabi Gabriel Thobejane celebrated 50 years since first sharing a stage. Both artists had long embodied Forest Jam’s spirit — bridging generations and cultures through their deep-rooted artistry. Their performances with Paki, Lerato, and Matthias, joined by special guests in each town, became a celebration of heritage, mentorship, and unity. Special guests included Kanada Narahari, Themba Mokoena, Afro Soul, Ngwako Manamela, Thabang Tabane’s Group,
As journalist Kwanele Sosibo wrote in the Mail & Guardian (14 December 2018), Thobejane described their collaboration as “a catch-up conversation between friends,” defined by intuition, humour, and shared musical language. Cameras by Lungelo Mntambo and Kalindi Matjokana.
SOUTH AFRICAN LEGENDS AND LEGACY
Two South African masters — Madala Kunene (Zulu) and Mabi Thobejane (Pedi) — stood as cornerstones of Forest Jam’s legacy. Both had performed internationally for over five decades, embodying the essence of mentorship and collaboration. From its Durban base, Forest Jam’s small, dedicated team — young musicians, students, and administrators from South Africa and Switzerland — realized projects with support from Concerts SA, volunteers, and industry allies. Through every gathering, from the Swiss Alps to Mozambique’s coastline, Forest Jam remained true to its founding mission: to unite artists across borders, nurture creative freedom, and celebrate Africa’s living musical heritage.
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