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Friday, October 23, 2009

UMKHUMBANE ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT

(Pic: The inimitable Jerry Kunene on alto sax)

Umkhumbane Ensemble to play tribute to Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi at Rainbow Restaurant on November 1.

The Umkhumbane Ensemble is playing a tribute to Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi at the Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown on November 1.

“This concert was booked a long time ago before we got the sad news of the passing of one of the Rainbow's favourite jazz legends, Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi, on October 13,” explains Rainbow co-owner Neil Comfort. “We have spoken to Mankunku's manager, Chris Syren at Making Music, and he has given us the go-ahead to present this concert as a tribute and I have personally asked the band to include some of his classics, including that great anti-apartheid anthem Yakhal'inkhomo.

“When you see the line-up, you will understand why it made perfect sense and why they are the perfect band for such a tribute, Appropriately, there will be a tribute to Mankunku in Cape Town on October 31, the day before our local tribute,” Neil Comfort explains. “The reason why the Umkhumbane Ensemble is the perfect band is that it features a wonderful selection of some of our locally based jazz legends as well as a few upcoming stars. The line-up includes Jerry Kunene and Muntu Dube on alto saxophones; S'thembiso Ntuli and Moses Sefatsa on tenor saxophones; Bheki Luthuli and Eric Duma on trumpets; Theo Bophela on piano; Mdu Mahlobo on guitar; Zithulele Dlamini on drums; KB Maphumulo on bass; Nothando Madondo on trombone and vocals; and Adolph Kunene on vocals.

“Is there anything more I can tell you before you are convinced this will be another memorable Sunday afternoon at the Rainbow?,” adds Neil Comfort. “Just like those many Sundays past when Mankunku graced our stage. RIP.”

The Umkhumbane Ensemble will perform on November 1. Doors open at 12h00 with the first set just after 13h00. Tickets R40 presale or R50 at the door. The Rainbow Restaurant is situated at 23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown. More information or bookings on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044 or email: bandwagon@artslink.co.za