A session band for South African mbqanga vocalists formed in 1963, the Makgona Tsohle band came to prominence in the 70s backing the peerless township solo vocalist Simon Nkabinde Mahlathini alongside the choral group the Mahotella Queens. Makgona Tsohle also recorded a handful of their own-name ‘sax-jive’ hits in the late 70s and early 80s, which were later collected on the album Mathaka Vol 1 (1983). Among several talented musicians the group employed was the guitarist, composer and producer Marks Mankwane (d. October 1998), West Nkosi (d. October 1998; saxophone), Joseph Makwela (bass), Lucky Monama (drums) and Vivian Ngubane (guitar). The group disbanded following the deaths of Mankwane and Nkosi in October 1998.