Sell out crowd
Enjoys South African
Musical Extravazanza!
Mzansi Sings, A Tribute to Oliver Tambo
“ Even in bleak moments we
were never in doubt regarding the winning of freedom”
Oliver Tambo
Bristol hosted the
spectacular South African, "Mzansi Sings a tribute to Oliver
Tambo" musical, a ‘jazz meets choral extravaganza’
on Sunday
24th June at a sold out Elim @ Bristol
City Church, the newly refurbished amphitheatre – seating 600 people.
Mzansi Sings is a tribute to one
of the South Africa’s great leaders, Oliver Reginald Tambo
who as a member, and later leader of the ANC, played a major
role in the growth and development of the movement and its
policies. After three decades in exile, much of it spent
living in London, he returned to South Africa in 1991. He
died in 1993 just a year before the new democratic Republic
of South Africa came into being.
This
was 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 a 30 strong choir, an 18 piece big band, a 10
piece string section as well as traditional Xhosa musicians
and dancers.
![](images/tambo-5.jpg)
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, 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 and Victor Ntoni, and Lawrence Matshiza one of
the most sought after guitarists on the South African music
scene.
Many Community leaders and
dignitaries were in attendance at this unique and very
special event. Paul Stephenson, local Civil rights
campaigner and race relations activist said, “ I very
much welcome the South African choir and dancers performing
at Elim church, supporting the memory of the great apartheid
fighter Oliver Tambo.”
Proceeds from this event went go
to The Yvette Gate Bone Marrow Campaign and we are very
grateful for the support.
![](images/MandelaYvette_small.jpg)
Click thumbnail on left to download article from Bristol
Evening Post (.jpg).
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