Mzansi Sings is a tribute to
one of the South Africa’s outstanding leaders, Oliver Reginald Tambo.
He played an unparalleled role in the growth and development of the
African National Congress (ANC) leading the mobilization of the whole
world against apartheid and its policies. After three decades in exile
he returned to South Africa in 1991. He died in 1993 a year before the
new democratic Republic of South Africa came into being.
Mzansi Sings is a spectacular
celebration of South Africa’s musical heritage. For this production
original choral melodies were rearranged and given a contemporary jazz
feel by the legendary composer, conductor and bassist Victor Ntoni for
an ensemble consisting of an 18 piece big band, a 10 piece string section,
two choirs as well as traditional musicians and dancers. The composers
include Joshua Polumo Mohapeloa, Benjamin Peter John
Tyamzashe, Nathan Sidyiyo, Todd Tozama Matshikiza
(composer of the music and lyrics for King Kong, the all-black
musical that became a nationwide hit in 1959) and John Knox Bokwe,
one of the country’s most celebrated Xhosa hymn writers.
Saluting the composers
“As the choral concept in South
Africa evolved, composers like Benjamin Tyamzashe and others started
writing their own compositions in the vernacular. Using the technique
of the inverted bass line and our traditional music gave them more space.
These musical icons wrote beautiful melodies which they wove into South
African choral music and almost every one of these songs is a classic
in its own right.”
Victor Ntoni
The ensemble includes some the finest
singers and musicians performing in South Africa today. Vocalists include
Reuben Malgas, Phinda Mtyamatlala, who as well as performing
in The Lion King on Broadway has also worked with Hugh Masekela,
Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the late Brenda Fassie, Khanyo Maphumulo
who began her career at the tender age of 13 when she was cast as the
lead in the musical play Sarafina, trumpeters Sydney Mavundla
and Fezile ‘Feya’ Faku and McCoy Mrubata, one
of the finest saxophonists working in South Africa today. They are joined
by The Soweto Choristers and the African Youth Ensemble.
The Music Lab
The Music Lab, based in Johannesburg,
is an emerging black owned music production company that seeks to bring
stability to the lives of musicians, while promoting African music through
artist management and development. The Music Lab’s vision hinges on
the idea that artists can only perform at their best as they gain exposure
and experience. They are also committed to ensuring the participation
of women in all spheres of music. The driving force behind The Music
Lab is husband and wife team of Linda & Victor Ntoni, and Lawrence
Matshiza one of the most sought after guitarists on the South African
music scene.
Mzansi Sings is sponsored by
DFA, Petrosa, SAA, Eskom, SABC and Gauteng Tourism.
Listings Information:
Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street,
London EC2Y 8DS
Date: Friday 22nd June
Time: 7.30
Ticket Price: ?15.00
Box Office: 020 7638 8891
Website:
www.barbican.org.uk
Venue: The
Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6
Date: Saturday 23rd June
Time: TBC
Box Office: 020 8690 0002
Website: www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk
