BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Music brings people together, and jazz music is one of South Africa’s greatest prides – we boast some of the best jazz musicians in the world. Cool new kids on the block, IBHUNGA (the Council) is a contemporary ethno-afro jazz band, based in Johannesburg. Founded in October 2021, the members of this outfit are no strangers to the music industry, having been professionally trained in jazz studies and experienced as composers, arrangers, educators, and co collaborators across several projects over the years.
As a sonic project, IBHUNGA explores the convergence of tradition, cultural preservation, identity and related concepts from the perspective of young musicians navigating the intersection between heritage, tradition, city life and modernism.
All of this, with a desire to facilitate both deeper exploration and understanding of ‘culture’ and its nuances whilst pushing the boundaries of what it means, what it constitutes, and what is understood as its valid expression(s). The Council draws its language from the influences of African folk music, contemporary jazz, soul, lo-fi, and Afro-beat to name a few.
After a successful rodeo in Capetown last year showcasing the project, uManyano lwe jazz is excited to welcome Ibhunga on stage this year with Athi Ngcaba on trombone; Solethu Madasa on keys; Obakeng Mabitsela on drums and cymbals, and Dalu Mqwathi on bass. Together with their larger Jhb ensemble featuring Godfrey Mntambo on saxophone; Nic Bjorkman on drums; and Bokang Ramatlapeng on vocals.
uManyano lwe Jazz is bringing the ultimate boutique festival experience celebrating music, community and connectedness on the 1st of April, 2023.
“Manyano”, which means ‘Coming Together” aims to bring South Africa’s most loved musicians, and well-rounded selectors and deejays closer to audiences, to experience the generosity, collaborative ethos, and community offered by this exceptional art form.
