Ayanda: The Voice of Africa

If anyone takes herself seriously as a performing artist, it's Ayanda. It doesn't matter what context. She carefully chooses her outfits for the show and demonstrates how much she respects her audience in the way she presents herself.

JAZZY SOULFUL WEDNESDAYS: An Intimate Performance

You are welcome to download his song entitled Divine Intervention above for free!

FRESH OUT OF THE BOX

MIRIAM MAKEBA's LEGACY LIVES ON

On 9 November, Tlale Makhene and songstress Zenzi Makeba Lee will perform at the Universal Hall in Berlin. Among other items on her repertoire, attendees will delight in Zenzi’s most revered a cappella song entitled "Mama", a traditional Jewish song originally entitled "Yiddisha Momme" which she always dedicates to her late mother and to all the mothers of the world. Tlale on the other hand will do a solo performance on voice and percussions using a loop station set to get the audience on a natural high as he invites Miriam Makeba’s spirit to sing through him.

It has been 18 years since the first democratic elections took place in South Africa and 4 years since the passing of Mama Afrika. In 1994, the bomb that attacked the ANC building shook flats inhabited by children and adults alike who then ran chaotically on the streets of Johannesburg for their dear lives. The war between the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the African National Congress (ANC) unfolded, a battle of the hero’s costume. Tlale Makhene was one of those musicians who in this chaos, still carried on as a soldier of music. During this time, Zenzi Makeba Lee, Miriam Makeba’s grand-daughter, had just completed her studies  at the Manhattan School of Music (previously known as Julliard) in New York City. The battle of the hero’s costume has not yet been won and as human beings, we continue to find ways to negotiate a civilised human order driven by love and good deeds.

With that said, one does not have to understand the language of music to feel its impact. Mama Afrika will once again pass on the baton to Tlale and Zenzi who have always respected music as an outlet for the spiritual realm to communicate with and guide us. All we have to do is pay attention to it and it will speak to us in ways beyond human contribution. 

TLALE MAKHENE LIVE @ THE MIRIAM MAKEBA MEMORIAL FESTIVAL

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER WITH HLULANI HLANGWANE LIVE @ THE JOY OF JAZZ MUSIC FESTIVAL

South Africa, get ready to be hit by the Hlulani Hlangwane bug that will make you forget that the world is in recession and give you hope for a more rewarding future!

Hlulani is a breathtakingly amazing singer. Her tone places her squarely in the field of jazz divas and her Tsonga heritage gives her a creative and competitive edge.

Currently, the South African economy isn’t doing great and there is a sentiment that the music industry is more volatile than ever. Even more disturbing is that there is an oversupply of musicians but a massive shortage in music managers. However, Kgomotso le Roux from IKS Consulting & Promotions www.iksconsulting.co.za, although she had already been managing Tlale Makhene, Iggy and the Sibikwa Arts Indigenous Orchestra, could not ignore Hlulani’s talent and decided that the world needs to hear this lady, “she raises the bar in South African jazz performance. “, Kgomotso would say.  

At age 26, Hlulani had already composed songs for top South African artists – 2 of which have reached number one spots on national radio stations.

2008 was a milestone in Hlulani’s career as she was selected best vocalist of the year by the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band for the year. Returning from her three month Vietnam tour in 2009, she has performed with the likes of Herbie Tsoaeli, Ayanda Sikade, Lucas Senyatso, Mlungisi Gegana, Feya Faku, RnB American singer Joe, The Spinners, Judith Sephuma, Jimmy Dludlu, Hugh Masekela and Themba Mkhize. Hlulani has been growing from strength the strength ever since.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

WHEN: 25 AUGUST

TIME: 11:30PM for 00:00AM

ENTRANCE: FREE

VENUE: NIKKI’S OASIS, NEWTOWN, 138 BREE STR

Tlale Makhene Highlights for 2012

·      Cape Town International Jazz Festival (28-31 March)

·      Musical Director and mentor for the Sibikwa African Indigenous Orchestra, January – August

·      More Jazz Series Festival, Maputo, Mozambique – hosted by Moreira Chonguica featuring Najee (April)

·      “Refuse the Hour” tour with William Kentridge:

1.     Frascati Theatre 18 and 19 June (Amsterdam)

2.      Municipal Theatre 7-13 July (Avignon France)

3.     Argentina Theatre 14 – 18 November (Rome)

Prof. Veit Erlmann...the show will go on...

It was great being interviewed by Prof. Veit Erlmann about the Indigenous Knowledge IP Bill. The orchestra hadn't really thought about the implications of the bill and quite frankly, felt that they will create the way they have been doing because what they express is in essence who they are.

We can't change our history. Even if the bill were to destroy their potential revenue, they wouldn't change their mode of music expression.

The Cape Town tour is going really well and the orchestra is to have the last show at the Baxter theatre. We are looking forward to blowing the Gauteng province away!

SIBIKWA ARTS AFRICAN INDIGENOUS ORCHESTRA

The name "Sibikwa African Indigenous Orchestra" has many connotations to it. Other's criticise that it raises expectations of an African orchestra trying to match up to the standards of the western empire.

This Orchestra is not made up of 40 people. It may not even be a chamber orchestra of 24. Some may choose to define it as merely an ensemble. What they don't know is that this is not just any African Marimba Ensemble. The album that they recorded last week represents the sophistication of African music and they aim to harness and raise the bar of world music performance. 

You Might Win some but You've really Lost 1

Some People are a blessing when they come in your life, some are a blessing when they leave...