The Introduction
KHOI KHONNEXION features Jethro Louw, aka The GHETTO Poet, aka Tanneman !Xam. Jethro renders fiery performance poetry against an improvised free-sound backdrop, conjured up by mystic sounds from a range of indigenous and contemporary instruments. Among others, Garth plays the traditional Khoi bow-and-arrow (instrument for hunting converted to musical instrument), and wind instruments, including flutes, whistles, saxophone and didgeridoo; and Glen plays the traditional Khoi drum, mbira, Khoi mouth bow, percussion and wind instruments and chanting.

The Meeting
Jethro is central to the meeting of souls that form the Khoi Khonnexion. Jethro and Glen met in the late 1990's at a cultural event on Robben Island, while performing in separate performance groups. Jethro met Garth in a similar way. The three then informally met, played and socialized at cultural events across Cape Town and started initial talks to work together.

The Performance
While Jethro's performance group experienced difficulties along the way, another performance was due on Robben Island. He approached Glen to accompany him on guitar for the event. And this was the start of something new. Glen explored simple reggae-dub back chops and backing chants. This set Jethro's energy free for performance. The range was extended to the use of the Khoi drum.

The Khonnexion
Garth, as accomplished fine artist, was at that stage still engaged but interested. It was just a matter of time until "formally" joining, and bringing with him a rich musical versatility. These skills complemented and augmented the group sound, to weave a dynamic carpet for 'The Ghetto Poet' to ride on.

The Way Forward
The group started to further develop the performance and development concept of the Khoi Khonnexion and since then had taken on 'edutainment' and commissioned performance poetry bookings, as well as shaping a social activistic role by doing voluntary outreach and development work among young groups at risk. They now pursue a mission and a strategy as social change agents. All this is based and founded on the beauty of simplicity and minimalism as symbolized by the single string Khoisan musical bow and arrow as trance musical instrument. The energy behind the mission and purpose of the group is reflected in the kinds of activities they are undertaking and completing and the feedback from partners.

Personal Backgrounds
a)    Jethro Louw
Poet, philosopher, Grahamstown National Arts Festival veteran, published poetry collection 'Cape of Storms', praise poet to Adam Kok, beadworks and craft artist, community and youth leader and activist. Jethro, aka The GHETTO Poet, aka Tanneman !Xam, a prolific writer, has featured on many local, national and international poetry and cultural programmes and rendered praise poetry to many a luminary including the Western Cape provincial premier.

b)    Glen Arendse
Community, social and cultural activist; development worker and trainer; musical improviser (poetry and drama); adult and lifelong learning facilitator and animator. Glen is experienced in the development field at various levels and is exploring the dynamic link between improvisational arts and culture as medium in learning and development programmes. He has performed in local dramatic productions like "Klarabelle gaan Kaaptoe" and "Crossing the waters clearing the air", and enjoys jamming on the local jazz and alternative music scenes.

c)    Garth Erasmus
Interdependent artist, ex-art teacher and accomplished visual artist, musical improviser and instrument maker, with many professional exhibitions under the belt. Garth's fine art work has been acknowledged and honoured with a piece in permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute, USA, and his work has been featured at the annual Suid – Ooste Fees, in February 2008.

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