Mmapula Octavia grew up in a musical family. Her elder brother was the great saxophonist, Leonard Rachabane. Leonard gave Octavia her first break, performing in his band at the age of seventeen. Octavia went on to study at Pretoria Technikon and has performed professionally with Louis Moholo’s historic ‘Back to the Roots’ concert with his Dedication Orchestra, alongside greats such as Glen Mafoko, Bheki Khoza and Khaya Mahlangu. She has also performed internationally in the Graceland revival concerts.

Mmapula Octavia Rachabane Recording Archive 2015 -

1 Hour DVD Recorded Live at Music: Free-Learning Season Two featuring pianist Thato.

Barney managed to give his family ‘stability’. This was very rare for so-called jazz musicians of that era.