Donald Mahwetša Laka, professionally known as Don Laka, is a South African jazz musician, songwriter and music producer, as well as the founder of "kwaai-jazz". Laka finished studying at the Royal Academy of Music with Grade 8 in classical guitar, but restrictions under the Apartheid regime kept him from enrolling at the Pretoria Conservatoire. In 1969 he went on to form his first band, and recorded for the first time in 1972 with featured Ray Phiri on guitar. After finishing 12th grade in 1978, he undertook formal training, eventually obtaining his license to teach music in high school in 1979. From 1980 to 1981 he joined the afro-fusion group Sakhile, formed by Sipho Gumede and Khaya Mahlangu, which revolutionised South African music and set the scene for groups like Bayete. Don recorded his first major release with a group called "Oneness" before moving on to form his own band with Sello Twala, called Ymage. In their ten years together, they recorded approximately 12 LPs which led to their 1986 meeting with producer Tony Visconti, who produced ten of David Bowie's albums, as well as works by Paul McCartney, T Rex and The Moody Blues.