Meet Our Team
Botlhale-ba-Modimo Mmope
“It all begins with a vision, ignited by passion”
Founder, Director and CEO
Hi! I am Botlhale-ba-Modimo Mmope and I am the Founder and Director of The Mmope School of Arts (MSA). I am a Master of Music, qualified in musicology, music technology, music education, aural training, music theory and music business. Voice and Piano are my main instruments, but I also dabble at the guitar and cello.
Passion and vision have always been the core principles that drive me in everything that I do. I am a seasoned musician with experience in music performance, choral singing, music production, and teaching piano, voice, music theory and early years music.
As a young woman belonging to the Royal Bafokeng Nation, I was born and raised in Rustenburg, South Africa, and I learned from an early age to always follow one’s passion, and awaken one’s visions. My passions were ignited with humble beginnings of performing at the Miss Rustenburg competition, and continued when I performed the South African National Anthem at the 2014 NBA Africa vs World Match. I gained experience in teaching and performing internationally in Dubai. African-American Artist and Director of the Entertainment and Music at the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai, Mr. Dante Kennedy, paved the performing path for me during my time there. In Dubai, I also obtained my training in the British curriculum and the incorporation of Higher Performance Learning in teaching music, and accommodating pupils with various mental and physical disabilities. I had the honour of being advised and mentored by phenomenal individuals in the arts and academic space such as, Mr. Concord Nkabinde, Dr. Roland Moses, Prof Alexander Johnson, Prof. Clorinda Panebianco and Dr. Andrea Keyser-Mitas.
My vision for MSA is to equip more individuals with suitable artistic skills and knowledge, by offering them the opportunity to follow a path that would lead them to express their passions, as well as make honest and successful careers from their passions. I aim to create more job opportunities for people of colour in not only South Africa, but in Africa as a whole. Let us begin with a vision and ignite the passion.
Wandile Molefe
“Silence is the canvas of song”
Creative Director, Adjudicator and Syllabus Editor
Hi! I’m Wandile Molefe. Born in KwaZulu Natal, Lamontville, my musical journey began as a child attending Choral Choir competitions that my grandmother participated in. Musical theatre was central to my musical upbringing as my aunts and uncles were involved in productions such as ‘Sarafina’ and ‘Ipi Ntombi’. In the year 2000 I began formal piano lessons. I attended the National School of Arts where I matriculated, and University of Cape Town to study further and completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies/degrees in music performance, composition and arranging .
In 2008 I moved back to Johannesburg to establish myself in the industry. I began by working for the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). Working at SAMRO opened my mind on how music composition, copywrite, mechanical and needle time rights function and how individuals can protect themselves and their intellectual property. While at SAMRO I also worked as an educator and lecturer at WITS University for several years. Since moving, I have worked with several artists as a pianist, composer and arranger. Artists such as Mlungisi Gegana, Herbie Tshoaeli, Sydney Mnisi, Feya Faku, Lwanda Gogwana, Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa Mazwai, Musa Manzini, Themba Mkhize, Orlando Venherenque, Judith Sephuma, Stimela, McCoy Mrubata, Sibongile Khumalo, Judith Sephuma, Lindiwe Maxolo, Billy Monama, SkyZoo, Stogie T, Melo B Jones, Mpho Sebina, Brenda Mtambo, Zarcia Zacheus, Nomfundo Xaluza, Linda Sikhakhane and many more. 2011 till present working in musical theatre around in South Africa for such The Pen, Kwela Bafana, Milked Voice and many more. 2013 was a finalist at the Samro international scholarship competition. Currently studying a MMus Masters Degree at the University of Witswatersrand in Research based on South African music of the 1950’s.
From 2015 to most recent I have recorded albums such as Rebounce – Billy Monama and McCoy Mrubata – Brasskaap session 3, numerous Urban Sessions and on WatchaTV Virtual Stage for local and global audiences with various artists such as the recently late Dr. Sibongile Khumalo, Lindiwe Maxolo, Nomfundo Xaluva and Hlulani Hlangwane. 2020 composed music for Lesedi: The Rise of Lulu Mlangeni, which is a thoughtfully choreographed documentary film for the Standards Bank Arts. I am also Film Scoring for Amazon Prime a film titled “An Ordinary People” about the South African subculture of drifting vehicles.
My compositional style comes various forms of music and spirituality found within the art. Influences deriving from Zulu traditional music, Township music, Marabi, Kwela, RnB, Hip Hop, Jazz, Gospel and World Music.
My vision at MSA is to to encourage every student to be better than what they already are, to persevere and be bold in the face of new beginnings, and to achieve goals set by oneself
Ntando Ngcapu Mtya
“Your potential isn’t a destination”
Adjudicator and Syllabus Collaborator
Hi I’m Ntando Ngcapu Mtya, a celebrated pianist and musician from South Africa, and my artistry has positioned me as a prominent figure in the country’s music and creative landscape.
My story began with the Soweto Youth Music Development program, where I first found my passion for music. I went on to hone my skills at the National School of the Arts, later studying at both Berklee College of Music and Tshwane University of Technology. These experiences laid a strong foundation for the career I’ve been fortunate enough to build.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing on some incredible stages, including the National Youth Festival in Grahamstown and the Banyan Tree World Jazz Festival. Along the way, I’ve been honored to collaborate with brilliant artists like Marcus Gilmore, Prince Lengoasa, and the Beets Brothers. I’ve also had the chance to work with icons such as Lady Zamar, Msaki, and Zoe Modiga, and be part of landmark events like the Abdullah Ibrahim Tribute Concert.
In addition to these performances, I’m currently the resident pianist for the Dan Corder Show and a proud member of the Kopano Jazz Collective. These roles allow me to continue exploring and contributing to a wide variety of musical projects.
Whether I’m performing internationally or working alongside South Africa’s most talented musicians, I’m constantly driven by the desire to push the boundaries of my craft. I’m grateful to be part of South Africa’s rich musical landscape and to be able to inspire the next generation of artists.
I envision MSA as a trailblazer in the artistic education landscape, offering innovative and forward-thinking programs, that not only keep pace with, but also anticipate and shape the evolving needs of the creative industry. By providing relevant, progressive, and cutting-edge subjects, MSA with empower the next generation of artists and creates to thrive in a rapidly changing world.