Sibusiso Mash
Mashiloane brings IZIBONGO in Durban
A Celebration
of Gratitude and Musical Roots
Celebrated
South African pianist and composer Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane embarks on a
journey to his musical roots with z special IZIBONGO concert in Durban. This
performance, taking place on Wednesday 31 July at the Centre for Jazz at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal, reunites Mashiloane with the very band that
brought his critically acclaimed album, IZIBONGO, to life.
Following the
global success of IZIBONGO, which translates to “praises” in Zulu, Mashiloane
is eager to share his music with the Durban community who have nurtured him
throughout his career. “Durban has always been a source of immense support,”
says Mashiloane. “This concert is a chance to express my deepest gratitude and
share the music of IZIBONGO with the people who have inspired me.”
IZIBONGO is a
powerful exploration that seamlessly blends traditional South African
instruments with piano, saxophone, double bass, percussion, and drums. Drawing
on his cultural roots and the wisdom of his ancestors, Mashiloane creates a
tapestry of sound that celebrates African musical traditions. The album's title
is derived from the instructive Bantu verb “bonga,” which signifies giving
thanks.
Concertgoers can
expect an enthralling performance that delves into the heart of African music.
Mashiloane and his band, featuring Sisonke Xonti on tenor saxophone, Kagiso
Ramela on alto saxophone, Dalisu Ndlazi on double bass, Tlale Makhene on
percussion, and Siphelelo Mazibuko on drums, will deliver a virtuosic yet
spiritual performance. The music promises a journey of gratitude and cultural
connection, marked by technical precision and a deep emotional connection.
Mashiloane has
released an album a year since 2016, garnering numerous awards and nominations.
His collaborations with top South African musicians span a decade, and his
performances have captivated audiences worldwide, including getting the recent
honour to compose a suite titled “ISIGQI” for Carnegie Hall's National Youth
Orchestra and his upcoming performance at the prestigious Joy of Jazz festival
in September 2024.
Concert Listing
Wednesday 31
July
Centre for Jazz
& Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Tickets: R120
(general), R90 (pensioners), R60 (students)
Available on
Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1550752312
About IZIBONGO
Mashiloane's
compositional choices for IZIBONGO were informed by traditional teachings that
emphasise the use of music to convey symbolic and cultural meanings. The
extended musical pieces, such as the 15-minute "Ntate Mashiloane,"
eschew traditional genres and embrace a "prayer mode" of
improvisation, filled with honest and transcendent spiritual experiences. IZIBONGO
is a testament to the power of music as a generational, shared experience,
fostering a sense of communication, belonging, and appreciation for the
geographical essence of music.
About Sibusiso
Mash Mashiloane
Sibusiso Mash
Mashiloane is a South African pianist and composer of remarkable skill and
passion, recognised as an authority on South African music/jazz. A prolific
artist, Mashiloane has released an album a year since 2016, garnering numerous
awards and nominations. His collaborations with top South African musicians
span a decade, and his performances have captivated audiences worldwide,
including getting the recent honour to compose a suite titled “ISIGQI” for
Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra and his upcoming performance at the
prestigious Joy of Jazz festival in September 2024. 2024 has been a landmark
year for Mashiloane, with the completion of his PhD research and a prestigious
Humanities and Social Sciences award win for his album "Music From My
People."
