(Chris Ntuli with the choir of Sobantu High School in Pietermaritzburg who came third in last year’s competition and who will participate in the 2012 event. At the back is their teacher Mr M R Mngadi)Durban Black Drifters will host its 12th annual choir festival on May 4 at the Playhouse Opera. Some 60 choirs from Durban townships and surrounding areas will compete in this award-winning, vibrant, energetic and youth-based music competition. Huge cash prizes, trophies, certificates and give-aways are on offer. The event aims to preserve promote and develop Isicathamiya at grassroots level.
Popular Ukhozi FM DJ and SABC sports presenter Joe Hudla will compere the event for the fourth time. Veteran Isicathamiya groups High Stars, Natal Try Singers and Imbokodo kaCothoza will entertain the audience while amakhosi will re-kindle ancestors with the burning of impepho (traditional incense) at the opening of the show.
Other top names invited to this prestigious music experience are Joseph Shabalala of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Paul Mfuphi of SATMA, Dr. B. Biyela, Prof Cosbie Mbhele, Dr. Vera Dubin, Vusi Mkhize, SABC Executive producer Dr Thulasizwe Nkabinde, Director of KZN Schools Mr. B. Ntuli and Durban Black Drifters founding mentor, Caroline Smart, to name but a few.
For the past 19 years, Durban Black Drifters have been involved in teaching Isicathamiya in townships, urban and rural schools. It is the only Isicathamiya group that does this, thereby encouraging schools to create their own groups which will eventually reach a high enough level to enter the competition.
The group is led by singer, composer, producer and Nkandla-born Chris Ntuli who has toured with the Drifters to France, Belgium, China, Norway, Japan, Canada and the US. Ntuli has been involved in the music industry for almost 30 years, and has worked and recorded with top artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, both late Jabu Khanyile and Sipho Gumede, Madala Kunene, Busi Mhlongo and Aerto Moreira (Brazil).
Durban Black Drifters has released their fifth album entitled Lathini Ilembe. Ntuli has also initiated, recorded and produced the first Isicathamiya compilation album featuring 13 popular and veteran Durban-based Isicathamiya groups entitled“The Best of Isicathamiya Groups.
In 1998 he recorded a "Lotto" jingle for Radio Lotus, East Coast Radio and Ukhozi FM with Neil Snyman and two senior Durban Black Drifters members. He gained much expertise in music production, specializing in mixing and mastering when he worked extensively under the leadership and guidance of Joseph Shabalala and Neil Snyman.
Ntuli has come a long and hard way with his music. When he first came to Durban in the early 70’s, he spent his first two years on the streets in the Point area eking out a living from shipping contractors earning R2 a day. When things were bad, he would often go for days without a meal.
Having worked for various publications, Chris Ntuli is a rare kind of musician who possesses many years experience in marketing and dealing with the media. Before engaging in music fulltime, he was employed as a sales promotions manager for a long established national daily, Sowetan.
Durban Black Drifters sing Isicathamiya or Cothoza music. The ten members all reside in townships in the greater Durban area. Formed in February 13 1993, Durban Black Drifters aims to preserve, educate and promote indigenous Isicathamiya music, thereby spreading a message of peace and reconstruction which is especially important for South Africa.
The 12th Isicathamiya High Schools Choir Competition is sponsored by Chevron SA and managed by DBD Entertainment. It takes place in the Playhouse Opera on May 4. The show starts at 10am sharp and entrance is free. Dress smart casual or traditional.
“No weapons, bottles, drugs, alcohol and no nonsense allowed,” says Chris Ntuli firmly. For more information call 073 301 6740.
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