(‘Mzukulu’
Mbatha. Pic by Siya Meyiwa)
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will
present Talent ‘Mzukulu’ Mbatha on July 17, 2019.
Born in Durban, South Africa but groomed at
Nongoma, talented “Mzukulu” Mbatha is a versatile bassist, arranger, composer,
producer, studio engineer and music educator who derives his music style from a
diverse range of influences, including Maskandi, Mbhaqanga, jazz, pop,
contemporary rock, soul and fusion.
As a youngster from Northern KwaZulu-Natal,
He grew up listening to people like Mfaz’omnyama, Hhash’elimhlophe,
Phuzekhemisi, Mfiliseni Magubane, Soul brothers just to name a few. This made
him develop a way to approach even American standards with an African feel.
His talent was quickly noticed, and he was
often invited to perform at festivals and ceremonies. Talent began learning to
play the bass guitar at the age of 11, he assembled his first band for a jazz
ensemble in 2008 and has graced big stages such as the Hazelmere Dam Jazz
Festival, Ugu jazz festival, Moratele Park and more international stages
backing other artists.
His formal music education started after
passing matric when he joined a music learnership at the BAT Centre, which
helped him prepare him for enrolling with the University of KwaZulu-Natal where
he obtained his Jazz music diploma. He majored in Music performance and
Production.
He has worked with many well-known artists
such as the multi Grammy award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Princess of
Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Dr Brian Thusi, Zakes Bantwini, Mondli Ngcobo, the
hip hop’s kasi rap general Zakwe, Duncan “Skuva”Mbambo, Bongi Dube, Ntokozo
Masinga, Mondli Ngcobo, Mfiliseni Magubane, and Mdu Mahlobo.
In 2016 he worked on his own Maskandi album
called Amathanga omkakho through Mzukulutainment. (translating to you wife’s
pumkins), touring a lot around KwaZulu-Natal. Currently doing final touch ups
in studio for his second album, which will be a Jazz inspired one one this
time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K52VVUYqyFA
Join Talent (bass) with Shemual Mahabeer
and Sanele Phakathi (piano), Mxolisi Mdlalose (saxophone), Sbu Zondi (drums),
Zoe Masuku (vocals), Thabo Sikhakhane (trumpet) and Mokgethisi Nkotsi
(trombone) at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, Level 2, Shepstone
Building on the Howard College campus on July 17, 2019. The doors open at 17h30
and the show starts at 18h00. General admission R80 (R50 pensioners, R25 students).
Contact Thuli on 031 260 3385 or email
Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za for more details.
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