Graeme Watkins has always been involved with theatre, drama and music. After completing a degree in Theatre and Performance at UCT, he followed a career in music where he formed a Swing trio called “It’s a Swing Thing”.

Graeme took a chance by entering ‘Idols SA’, and ended up as the runner-up in the annual talent search.

Rock band, The Graeme Watkins Project, have since gone on to produce two albums; “Corridors of the Mind” and “Soldier On” as well as two independent singles, “Love In Abundance” which has charted on radio stations across the country and “You Come Running”. The latest single was also accompanied by a cool, immersive 360 video of them performing the song in studio, which got great responses.

The band has had several chart-topping hits, 2 SAMA nominations, a YOU Spectacular and MKTV nomination, and has also performed at the prestigious MuseXpo in Hollywood.

Graeme is also part of a swing music trio called ‘Swing City’ which comprises himself, Loyiso Bala and Nathan Ro.

‘Swing City’ teamed-up with 6 times Naledi nominee, Bryan Schimmel, as music director, and after a year, the dynamic trio recorded their debut album “Well Swung”. The album sold exceptionally well, filling a major gap in the South African market. On the album, one can find collaborations featuring the likes of Lloyd Cele, Shoowop Shop, and Chiano Sky.

December 2016 saw the trio team up with much-loved artists to record a live show called ‘Mnet and Friends: A Swinging Christmas’. It was aired over Christmas and was a great success!

Individually, Graeme was a Fleur De Cap nominee for Theatre. He is also a voiceover artist, actor, TV presenter, and MC.