(John Ellis)
This evening (Tuesday,
August 22), the Maritzburg Musicians Club (MMC) will host a variety of awesome
musos for a special evening. Highly acclaimed and inspiring solo artist John
Ellis, whom some might recognise from last decade's famous band Tree63, will
perform some of his favourites.
Warming up the
stage for Ellis will be a group of aspiring young musos who will perform for
one of the first times on a stage such as La Casa's. Formed at UKZN, these
three acts have been jamming together for many years on the steps of the Centre
for Visual Arts studios, creating content and growing exuberantly into
talented, keen musicians. Lebo Khoza; Shades of Black and Malwande, Melusi and
Christopher are excited to showcase their love for music to Pietermaritzburg.
John Ellis is a
singer-songwriter from Durban. The principal member, guitar-player, vocalist
and songwriter for the internationally renowned and award-winning band Tree63, he relocated back to his
hometown from America after many years of international success to pursue a
solo career. In 2010 he released his debut solo album, the politically-charged Come Out Fighting, which garnered him
another SAMA nomination, and in 2011, in addition to his production work for
other South African artists, he recorded his follow-up, an acoustic album
entitled Rural, accompanied by Johnny
Clegg drummer and percussionist extraordinaire Barry van Zyl.
Following a deal
with Sony in 2012, Ellis recently released Bush
Telegraph, a 5-track digital EP. John is an accomplished guitarist, having
featured on numerous American and British recordings, as well as on albums by
South African artists such as Ernie Smith, Farryl Purkiss and Ard Matthews.
John also lectures English literature, politics, communication, English as a
second language and academic literacy.
Shades of Black is a
young vibrant band from Pietermaritzburg established by UKZN students. They
were strung together by jam sessions, but the passion for music inspired the
inception of this charismatic band. With the influence from the likes of John
Mayer, John Legend, Jhene Aiko to name a few, with a drum style inspired by
genre's of Pop, RnB and Soul. Striving to be a genuine as possible, the band
consists of six members - the beautiful Lelo (vocals), Lionel (acoustic guitar
and vocals), Ayanda (acoustic guitar and vocals), Melusi (acoustic guitar and
vocals), Sphe (acoustic, lead and bass guitar), and Njabulo (lead guitar). This
freshly formed band is ready for any stage and any audience because they
believe music is world an anthem and are working industriously towards their
goal to touch the lives of many with their music.
Three amazing musical
artists have come together for a performance at La Casa - for the love of
music. Working individually and in different acts, Christopher Shuku plays piano, Melusi Bhengu plays guitar and Malwande Bhengu has been a vocalist for many years. They
formed an alliance and have been performing for a couple months since their
debut show - Music on Tuesday held at
The Dive at UKZN. Humbled by their musical abilities, their vision is to create
a musical movement and inspire other people with their music.
Lebo Khoza is young,
talented lady born and groomed in PMB. She associates herself with colour and
vision and believes in the power liberating the mind with music, and is
inspired by African and Zulu culture.
The home of the Maritzburg Musicians Club, La Casa (formerly
The Red Door) is situated in Quarry Road, off Victoria Road, in
Pietermaritzburg. Car guards on duty. More information from Roger O’Neill on
083 230 6562. Doors open at 19h00 for
only R50, with all door proceeds going to the artists. Pizzology menus will be
circulated.
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