The Rainbow and Concerts SA present the
Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble's long overdue debut album Ezintabeni on June 25.
South Africa is a country with multiple
cultures and stories, and thanks to democracy, black people’s stories are no
longer censored. The Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble (UJE) in partnership with Ethekwini
Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts & Culture and KZN Music
House, have recorded their long overdue debut album, featuring respected
musicians who have dedicated their lives to their music.
The people of Umkhumbane endearingly called
the area, Ezintabeni due to the “uneven landscapes” that housed informal
settlements occupied by people of all races. The unification of races and cultures
made it possible for the members of the band to tap into a broad landscape of
memories when creating their debut album.
UJE have put huge effort into recording
this album for the purpose of creating valuable archive material for arts and
musical heritage.
The Sagiya Foundation made it possible for UJE
to share the stories of their beloved home with us, aiming to hit the global
market.
UJE features legends from Ethekwini
Municipality. ;In the reeds section are Moses Sefatsha, Jerry Kunene, Muntu
Dube, Sithembiso Ntuli and Mduduzi Magwaza. The brass section comprises Eric
Duma and Bheki Luthuli. On vocals are Adolph “Mbova” Kunene with Vincent
Mthetwa on keys: Also performing will be KB ‘The Master’ Maphumulo on bass; Mduduzi
Mahlobo (guitar) and Atlas Duma on drums.
Every member of the 11-piece band had a
hand in crafting at least one of the album’s 12 compositions. UJE then included
some commemoration songs from African Jazz Pioneers: Sigaxa Mabhande and Way
Back 50's.
UJE has more than a century of musical
experience between them, the number of years of musical prowess goes up even
further when you factor in the 12 original band members and 9 featured
musicians who held the band’s hand in the creation process. UJE has been giving
out great vibes and grooves for such a long time that playing has become more
of a reflex than a task. That has not stopped the band from seeking newer and
inventive ways to bring their stories across, they have never stopped
practicing, and they never will – that’s what makes them special, according to
Moses Sefatsa.
Music is much more than a sensory
experience, it can be used to advance all types of ideologies, UJE’s philosophy
is centred on the conservation of, “African music culture and heritage”. The
band is a glowing sign for resilience with regards to pursuing your dreams –
just think about how long they’ve been playing without releasing an album.
Bring some extra cash and pick up this important record of our heritage.
The performance takes place on June 25 at
the Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown. Doors open at 13h00 with the concert starting
at 14h00. Entrance R80 or book online through www.webtickets.co.za
or contact 031 702 9161 or nicola@therainbow.co.za
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