Remembering the African Rootz Rhythm Concert for Carnegie Hall Representatives

Photographer: Onkgopotsi Matlawe

From an insider's perspective, one can testify that the event was so rewarding yet highly stressful! For one, the organisers managed to pull it off with virtually no funding. Thanks to the partnership between IKS, Urban Voices, Drakensburg Promotions and Catz Pyjamas, this was an incredibly memorable event.

Ayanda Khumalo's beautiful voice and supreme elegance...

Tau ea Matsekha were supposed to perform as a trio. They decided, at the last minute, to bring 12 performers. There was much miscommunication...a classical example of "Don't listen to what I say, listen to what I mean" but when they started performing, their charm took over. Some wished they would have performed for much longer.

 

 

The organisers then had to ask Tlale Makhene to perform for a bit longer than as scheduled. Thank goodness he was prepared...he then went into a trance that sucked Sibongile Khumalo right in. Tlale Makhene and Sibongile Khumalo did an impromptu performance that was out of this world!

Wouter Kellerman blew us away with his beat-boxing/flute improvisation. People thought he would grab Tlale Makhene for rhythmical support but the man was absolutely phenominal just on his own. He really takes the flute to another level. Once you see him live, you will never look at the flute the same way again:-)

The show continued, the organisers only found out an hour before that Bheki Khoza would be willing to perform that night. They had communicated with him during the course of the week tirelessly but could not get a confirmation. Talk about adrenaline overcharge...but when he got on that stage, it was as if one was taken back to the 70's, the days of Miriam Makeba and Dolly Rathebe...hmmmmm...soothing...

 

Blondie Makhene & his band gave us their all! He sang songs of the Sangoma African traditional healers with a gospel, soulful twist that was heartfelt! Finally, he dragged his daughter Latoya Mangezi from the audience to the stage. Oh boy, she had everyone's heart on the palms of her hand by the time she was done!

 

 

As soon as Phuzekhemisi started performing. Everybody got up - fascinated and glad they had cancelled their business trips out of town for this concert. An audience member said she felt the power of music as a healing force that night.

We hope that this will not be the last African Rootz Rhythm Concert. Namaste...

PRESS RELEASE: African Rootz Rhythm Concert

African Rootz Rhythm Concert will be celebrating African Music on Tuesday 5th June at Catz Pyjamas, Melville. 

The programme is commemorating 50 years of the African Union with great music and dance that will move the body and mind with the rhythmic reflection of an African Renaissance - an Africa that is rising. From the deep rural hills of KwaZulu Natal hails Phuzekhemisi and his 12-piece band to music from the mountains of Lesotho represented by the legendary trio, Tau Ea Matsekha. Tau Ea Matsekha - known as the ‘Lion of Matseka‘ - collaborated with Paul Simon on Graceland album, which featured their music in the 'Boy in the Bubble' track.

On the Urban front we have the multi-talented and award winning percussionist and composer Tlale Makhene. Renowned guest artists included on this special African rhythm night are songstress Ayanda Khumalo (Daughter of Sibongile Khumalo), Blondie Makhene as well as flautist Wouter Kellerman.

Catch all of this and much more at 12 Main Road, Melville at Catz Pyjamas.

EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Venue: Catz Pyjamas, 12 Melville, Joburg
Cover Charge: R100 at door
Time: 6PM for 7PM

More info on the Artists featured on the African Rootz Rhythm Concert:

PHUZEKHEMISI and his 12 piece band: Kwa Zulu Natal
The Legendary artist Phuzekhemisi has released over 18 albums - many of them achieved platinum status for record sales. Phuzekhemisi is considered the king of the indigenous African maskanda music. As “the people’s voice” and choosing to live in his traditional Zulu kraal in the rolling hills around Umkomaas on the South Coast, Phuzekhemisi remains among the musicians from KwaZulu Natal to draw on the social ills and joys of rural life. He has performed in various parts of the world and introduced maskanda music to thousands of people. He will be performing with his 12-piece band.


TLALE MAKHENE: Joburg
Tlale Makhene, also known as the groove master, is one of South Africa’s most remarkable drumming talents. Highly regarded by musicians and music fans alike, he is a much sought after teacher, session musician and performer. Recently, Tlale has been touring with the William Kentridge Refuse the Hour Tour for the past 2 years and performed at the Miriam Makeba Memorial Concert in Germany last year. One can sense his strength of character through his music. With many Latino influences, beautiful piano pieces and soothing African vocals. A fusion of raw talent and honed skills, blending with the traditional elements are what make these songs some of the best loved around. He will feature Bernice Boikanyo on drums, Mpendulo Nkosi on bass, Eric Paliani on guitar, Mongezi Conjwa on keyboard


TAU EA MATSEKHA: Trio from Lesotho
Popular Sotho Traditional group who gained global recognition from their collaboration with Paul Simon ``Boy In the Bubble`` from his groundbreaking Graceland album. The music features a very powerful medium-paced rhythmic groove with the bass playing lead and accordion supplying harmonic structure.
This band from Lesotho is devoted to Famo music (Lesotho popular) combines traditional a cappella singing in the Sotho language with a driving accordion and bass backing to provide a popular hybrid that flourished in the 1970s. Their name translates as "Lion of Matseka" (being Matseeka an area in Northern Lesotho). Also referred as Tau Oa Matsheha.

Guest Artists Featured at the African Rootz Rhythm Concert: 5 June 2013

BLONDIE MAKHENE
Blondie is a legend whose sound has transformed over his 30 albums from disco to kwaito, to pop, back to the traditional healers music of Sangomas through to adult contemporary music. Blondie’s electrifying performances are backed by our country’s history and creative wealth that speaks to the masses. There is wealth in simplicity and Blondie Makhene’s rich music history informed his work as a producer having worked with the icons of the music industry including Bra Hugh Masekela and Brenda Fassie.

BLONDIE’S FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE: Legend Show – Rustenburg, Tsietsieng, Mmanape High School Hall, 16 June 2013, 2pm till late

AYANDA KHUMALO

Ayanda Khumalo was born and raised in Johannesburg, to a musical and theatre dynasty. Her grandfather, Prof Khabi Mngoma, gave her her first musical lessons, teaching her music theory, violin and voice. Her parents, Sibongile Khumalo and the late Siphiwe Khumalo are well known music and theatre practitioners. Ayanda recently performed superbly at the Road to Joy of Jazz 2013. What most people love about her music is that her sincere character radiates throughout. It is only a matter of time before she becomes a household name.

WOUTER KELLERMAN: Flautist 

Wouter Kellerman’s album ‘Two Voices’ won the 2011 SAMA (South African Music Award equivalent of the Grammy) for 'Best Instrumental Album', reinforcing his status as one of South Africa’s foremost musicians. This was his second SAMA award after his 2010 award for ‘Colour live’.

A true crossover artist, he thrives on experimenting with the shades, textures and colours that his magic flute is capable of painting, and creatively blending this with other instrumentation and vocal sounds. He has been touring constantly over many years to international festivals and concerts. 

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