Mkizwana Ensemble presents nationally their debut album African Skies
In association with Concerts SA, the Mkizwana Ensemble will be touring nationally to perform their debut album African Skies. Launched at The Orbit (Johannesburg) in July, African Skies will be presented live in selected music venues across the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.
Formed in early 2014, the Mkizwana Ensemble comprises of five gentlemen who have been musicians and friends for several years. Named after musical director, Viwe Mkizwana, the band performs a variety of original compositions jointly arranged by the collective. Viwe himself plays double bass, Ntsikelelo “Jack” Mcwabe trumpet, Malusi Masia tenor saxophone, Africa Mahlangu on alto saxophone and Thapelo Khumisi on keyboard.
Through the combination of keyboard, double bass, trumpet, alto and tenor saxophones the ensemble produces a unique sound and most importantly – Xhosa and other African genres. The ensemble’s organic style of creating and performing aids the adaptability of the young collective.
Having met at the Tshwane University of Technology, the collective has a variety of training ranging from jazz to popular music in addition to various qualifications from the Trinity Guildhall and the Royal School of London. Vast travel experience across African, Asian and European regions has also boosted the band’s understanding and creation of music – the craft which feeds the group’s collective spiritual journey.
In their brief period of being active, the ensemble has performed a variety of gigs both public and private. They also had the pleasure of gracing the Moretele Park Festival addition to performing at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival which bears testament to the ensemble’s passion for performing.
The strong friendship between the five band members feeds into the sentimentality and balance of the fifteen song repertoire which comprises of tunes such as Jack’s She Was Good and Viwe’s dedication to his late brother Zinhle, all included in their debut CD. Since their formation, the ensemble has performed at major events like the Moretele Park Jazz and Standard Bank’s Joy of Jazz Festivals, sharing the stage with world-renowned legends.
Mkizwana Ensemble African Skies Tour is supported by the Music Mobility Fund, a funding mechanism administered by Concerts SA which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours.
Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian initiative housed under the auspices of the Stakeholder Hub within the SAMRO Foundation; it receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the SAMRO Foundation and Concerts Norway. Working with musicians, promoters, venue owners and audiences, the project aims to support live music in South Africa by finding and implementing ways to create a vibrant and viable live music circuit. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools. For more information please visit our website http://concertssa.co.za, follow @ConcertsSA on Twitter at twitter.com/ConcertsSA or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ConcertsSA.
Artist Links
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mkizwana-Ensemble-1452877004990159
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mkizwana-ensemble
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL4mRswg53z_5m8xfVZ-Bog
Events Listing
Pretoria – U-The Space
Saturday 10th December – 6pm – R 50
Address: 146 Minnaar Street, Pretoria
Contact: 076 383 0833 / u.thespace@gmail.com
Johannesburg – Winnie’s Soul & Jazz Restaurant
Sunday 11th December – 8pm – R 100
Address: Wendywood Shopping Centre, 1 Daphny St, Johannesburg
Contact: 011 656 3059 / bookings@winnies.co.za
