Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble (UJE) play Marabi style and 50’s style of music, bringing back sophiatown and district 6. They will be presenting to you music from their debut album "Ezintabeni" as part of their "UJE September Legendary Tour".
UJE is a musical outfit from Durban formed out of musical influences of ‘Umkhumbane Settlement’ of Cato Manor, on the western part of Durban. The people of UMkhumbane endearingly called the area, Ezintabeni due to the “uneven landscapes” that housed informal settlements occupied by people of all races. The unification of races, and cultures made it possible for the members of the band to tap into a broad landscape of memories when creating their debut album.
Every member of the 11-piece band had a hand in crafting at least one of the album’s 14 compositions, which include 2 cover versions Sgaxa mabhande and Way back Fifties by African Jazz Pioneers.
UJE has more than a century of musical experience between them, the number of years of musical prowess shoots up even further when you factor in the 13 featured musicians who held the band’s hand in the creation process. The band is always seeking newer and more exciting ways to bring their stories across, they have never stopped practicing, and they never will — that’s what makes them special according to their drummer Atlas Duma.
The band is a glowing sign for resilience with regards to pursuing your dreams. The album is available for sale via conventional music outlets and on iTunes. Jerry” Kunene (alto saxophone), Moses Sefatsa (tenor saxophone), Sithembiso Ntuli (tenor saxophone), Muntu Dube, Bheki Luthuli (trumpet), Eric Duma (trumpet), Vincent Mtetwa (piano), KB Maphumulo (bass), Atlas Philani Duma (drums), Adolphus Kunene, Mduduzi Magwaza (alto saxophone)
Join The Groovey: UJE - Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble at The Centre for Jazz and Popular music (CJPM), Level 2, Shepstone Building at UKZN Howard College Campus on Wednesday 06 September 2017. Doors open at 17.30pm show starts at 18:00. R70 for general admission // R45 pensioners // R20 for students. Please contact Thuli on 031 2603385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za for more details