Tete mbambisa biography of william
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Last March in South Africa I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Baird, an Englishman born in Zambia, living in Holland. He was playing percussion with some fellow musicians around a campfire during a braai, celebrating the birthday of a friend. Our meeting was a pleasant surprise as I had reviewed one of the CD’s which Michael releases through his label SWP Records, ‘Lesotho Calling -lesiba & sekhankula music’ (SWP 033). See my post Sounds & Basotho songs from Lesotho
I became even more fascinated by the fact that Michael also re-releases the famous Hugh Tracey field recordings that are part of the ILAM archives in Grahamstown, South Africa.
So here is an exclusive interview with Michael Baird about his label, his music and his many travels throughout Africa.
Tell me when you started your label and why?
That was in 1986. I had produced an album’s worth of recordings of my percussion trio Sharp Wood, having spent a lot of time and trou
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Amagugu -Ingabe Likuphi Tphutha
A legend in his native country, jazz pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, formerly known as Dollar Brand, has also carved a name for han själv on the international music scene. Born and raised in Cape Town, SA, he started playing piano at an early age encouraged bygd his grandmother who was the pianist in the local A.M.E. Church. He was also exposed to the diverse cultures of the cosmopolitan sea port. Traditional African music, Cape Malay songs, the carnival, popular tunes and recorded American jazz formed an integral part of his childhood experience. He started playing professionally with local dance bands whilst still in high school.
In 1961 he formed a group called the Jazz Epistles which had as its members Hugh Masekela and the legendary alto-sax player Kippie Moeketsi, the father of contemporary black music in South Africa. In 1962, Abdullah Ibrahim left South Africa for Switzerland with his wife, vocalist Sathima (Bea Benjamin) where
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Langa will once again get buzzing with the sounds of pure South African jazz this Sunday, 24 November, 2024 at 16 Lerotholi Gallery. This time around the vibrant township celebrates the legacy of Dr. Tete Mbambisa’s legacy through performances by the Tete Mbambisa Sextet and the Andile Yenana Quintet. KEANETSE FOTHOANE spoke to jazz giants Dr. Tete Mbambisa, Andile Yenana and event organizer Koko Nkalashe for insight into the festivities.
KF:Please elaborate on ‘umnombo womngqungqo wesiNtu’ – the African jazz legacy and how it relates to Dr. Tete Mbambisa and Andile Yenana.
KN: Umnombo womngqungqo wesiNtu is the genesis and history of African rhythms spanning decades of dancing and sounds. Dr. Tete Mbambisa and Andile Yenana are examples of how these styles can be expressed through African jazz with various musical instruments.
KF:How has jazz in Cape Town townships withstood social and economic hardships over time?
KN: The townships, aka Native Yards, ha