Pops Mohamed — Quick Profile

Full Name	Ismail Mohamed Jan
Stage Name	Pops Mohamed
Date of Birth	10 October 1949
Age (2025)	75 years old
Place of Birth	Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
Nationality	South African
Profession	Musician, Producer, Cultural Educator
Genres	Traditional African Music, Jazz, World Music
Instruments	Kora, Mbira, Mouth Bow, Kalimba, Flutes, Percussion
Famous For	Preserving African indigenous music & instruments
Notable Albums	Mood Africa, Ancestral Healing, How Far Have We Come
Awards	Cultural & Lifetime Achievement Honors
Net Worth (Est.)	$500,000 – $1 million
Years Active	1960s – Present
Notable Collaborations	Madosini, Sipho Gumede, Bruce Cassidy, Mabi Thobejane
Marital Status	Not publicly disclosed
Religion	Not publicly disclosed

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Introduction

Pops Mohamed is one of South Africa’s most respected musicians, celebrating decades of influence in jazz, traditional African music, and indigenous sound preservation. Known for his mastery of traditional instruments such as the kora, mbira, bird whistles, and African mouth bow, Pops Mohamed has become a cultural ambassador whose work continues to inspire new generations.
This biography explores his early life, age, career milestones, awards, legacy, and estimated net worth.

Pops Mohamed Biography

Early Life and Background

Pops Mohamed was born as Ismail Mohamed Jan on October 10, 1949, in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa.
Growing up in a multicultural township exposed him to diverse musical influences, from jazz and Indian classical music to traditional African rhythms.

His neighbourhood was full of musicians, dancers, and storytellers, which shaped his passion for sound from a young age. Pops often recalls how hearing traditional instruments in the streets inspired him to preserve African music heritage.

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Age

As of 2025, Pops Mohamed is 75 years old and still active in music, education, and cultural preservation.

Music Career

Humble Beginnings

Pops started performing in local bands as a teenager. Although he loved jazz and Western instruments, he eventually moved deeper into African indigenous instruments in the early 1980s. This shift became the foundation of his life’s work.

Exploring Indigenous Instruments

Throughout his career, Pops Mohamed mastered several traditional African instruments, including:

• Kora
• Mbira (thumb piano)
• African mouth bow
• Kalimba
• Berimbau
• Various flutes and percussion instruments

This deep connection to African roots made him one of the most recognizable ambassadors of traditional music in South Africa.

Albums and Collaborations

Pops Mohamed has released numerous albums focusing on African heritage sounds, spiritual music, and experimental jazz.
Some of his most notable albums include:

• “How Far Have We Come”
• “Africa Meltdown”
• “Ancestral Healing”
• “Mood Africa”

He has also collaborated with several acclaimed artists, such as:

• Mabi Thobejane
• Bruce Cassidy
• Sipho Gumede
• Madosini
• African jazz ensembles and world-music bands

Film and Television Work

Pops contributed music to documentaries, film projects, and educational programs promoting African culture. His soundtrack work further strengthened his reputation as a cultural storyteller.

Awards and Recognitions

Pops Mohamed has received numerous honors for his contribution to music and heritage preservation.
These include:

• Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Cultural Preservation Honors
• South African Music Awards (SAMAs) Nominations
• International World Music Recognitions

Additionally, he is respected globally as a teacher, mentor, and workshop facilitator.

Legacy and Impact

Pops Mohamed’s legacy extends far beyond music performance.

1. Preservation of Indigenous Instruments

He helped revive and popularize traditional African instruments that were on the verge of fading away.

2. Youth Education

Pops actively mentors young musicians through workshops, school programs, and cultural initiatives.

3. Cultural Ambassador

Internationally, Pops represents Africa’s musical heritage on global stages, festivals, and academic platforms.

4. Collaboration with Elders

His long-term collaboration with the late Madosini Latozi Mpahleni, one of the greatest Xhosa bow musicians, created timeless recordings and performances.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Pops Mohamed’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million.
His income comes from:

• Music sales
• Live performances
• Workshops and cultural programs
• Royalties
• Film and documentary soundtracks

While not driven by commercial success, his dedication to culture has brought him sustainable recognition and influence.

Personal Life

Pops Mohamed is a humble and spiritual individual who values culture, family, and community.
He often speaks about the importance of African identity, unity, and healing through music.

He lives a lifestyle centered on creativity, teaching, and preserving traditional African stories and sounds.

Conclusion

Pops Mohamed remains a legendary figure in South African music. His biography reflects a life dedicated not only to artistic excellence but also to cultural preservation and education.
Through his mastery of indigenous instruments and his passion for African roots, Pops has built a legacy that will continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

FAQs

1. Who is Pops Mohamed?

He is a South African musician known for preserving indigenous African instruments and sounds.

2. How old is Pops Mohamed?

He is 75 years old as of 2025.

3. What instruments does he play?

Kora, mbira, mouth bow, kalimba, and various African percussion instruments.

4. What is Pops Mohamed known for?

For promoting African traditional music and mentoring young musicians.

5. What is his net worth?

Estimated between $500,000 and $1 million.