When Musa Manzini was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour, the surgeons decided there was only one way to perform the removal operation: while Musa was awake.

A very uncommon practice in South Africa, the surgeons woke Musa from the anaesthetic after drilling a hole in his head and asked him to play guitar while they operated.

Although they removed 90% of the tumour, they cannot be certain it won't come back.

Musa just hopes to continue to make music, with the surgeons even promising to buy his next album.

Video journalist: Vauldi Carelse