(Left: Mthobisi
Mthalane)
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at
UKZN in conjunction with iSupport Creative Business have taken the initiative
to marshal their resources by presenting a weekly concert, featuring three
artists who will present a 20-minute set each.
The third edition of the new
online concert series will take place on Wednesday April 29, 2020, and features
a diverse line-up featuring Mthobisi Mthalane, A Tribute to Sophiatown and Ildo
Nandja.
Mthobisi
Mthalane
Mthobisi Mthalane was born in Impendle
outside Pietermaritzburg. He has worked with high profile artists including Dorothy
Masuku, Camagwini, Ntando, Zulu Boy, Rebecca Maloepe, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Benjamin
Dube, JubJub and Jazel brothers, Madala Kunene, Maisha and he is a pianist in
Vusi Mkhize Band. He has worked as a music director of different projects and
theatre productions.
His 2019 performance highlights include the
Durban Jazz Festival, A Christmas Celebration Concert and the Tribute Jazz
Concert at The Playhouse Durban. He was invited to play piano welcoming the
guest at the Consulate General of USA on August 29, 2019; Ayishe World Music.
Mthalane was a part of the SABC Gospel Music Crown Awards 2008 to 2011 as a
pianist and band leader and the Satma Awards 2009. Beside recording his dynamic
debut album Africa My Beginning, he
was also involved in debut album recording in KZN Music House Studio with his
mentor, a guitarist by the name of Nhlanhla Mnikathi who won the Shell Road to
Fame in 1997 and the Standard Bank Jazz Encounter in 2005. In 2010 he recorded Amaqhawe with Amantombazane Asogwini produced
by Atlas Philani Duma.
Joining Mthobisi Mthalane on piano will be
Mzamo Zungu on drums, Andile Ndlovu on bass, Jeff Khoza on trombone and Luyanda
Mchunu on trumpet.
Tribute
to Sophiatown
The era of Sophiatown influenced vocalist
Thulile Zama and her band members to such extend that they found it fitting to
put a band together titled Tribute to Sophiatown, in the honour of this era.
Showcasing four songs from the repertoire
of writers and composers from the Sophiatown era. Despite violence and poverty,
the area in Johannesburg was the epicentre of jazz and blues in the 40’s and
50’s. This show is a compilation of Sophiatown’s finest music. It includes the distinctive sound we all know, including the most joyful songs,
but also emotional songs, all contributing to an important music sketch of this
rich history of the country. Thulile Zama on vocals is joined by David Smith on
keys, Nick Pitman on guitar, Sbusiso Mkhonza on bass guitar and Rebekah Doty on
drums.
Ildo
Nandja
Hailing from Maputo, but based in KwaZulu
Natal, Ildo Nandja has been a steady fixture in the Durban Jazz scene and
currently on the European circuit while pursuing further studies in the
Netherlands, Nandja’s performance at Luthuli Museum will showcase some of the
materials he’s been experimenting with while overseas. As an activist and peace
builder involved in community building, his music is an instrument and a medium
that brings awareness about the state of the world, addressing issues such as
unity, justice, equality, gender and social cohesion amongst many more aspects
that are relevant in contributing to the betterment of society. He uses his
African rhythmical abilities and expertise to express advanced harmonic
concepts to his compositions. His sound blends PanAfrican rhythms and melodies
with Jazz, European and contemporary music influences. These musical
diversities reflect his experiences and the result is a combination of an
experimental interdisciplinary sound.
“The audience can expect a vibrant and
engaging groovy performance that includes local and familiar jazz sounds, but
also very exotic sound elements that I have been experimenting with,” says
Nandja.
To watch the concert there is a minimum
charge of R30, once sending the Proof of Payment the audience will receive a
link to the concert. The full contribution of the audience will go straight to
the artists in an effort to support and sustain South Africa’s beloved
musicians through this testing time
Submissions
Musicians can submit a video that is
created especially for the concert, which is likely to be a solo performance or
very small ensemble in this period of social distance. You can also submit
previously recorded videos that are not widely available on the internet, and
are part of your personal archive.
Tickets
Make your weekly payment to:
iSupport Music Business
FNB
62276064137
Reference: your email address
Send your POP to: zamat1@ukzn.ac.za and you
will receive the link before 18h00 on the relevant Wednesday.
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