Vimbs Mavimbs

ABOUT

Thembinkosi Mavimbela alias Vimbs Mavimbs is a prolific double bassist, composer, bandleader, producer, musical director. He has played on some of the most iconic albums and has written & performed in prestigious concert halls alongside exceptional musicians.

ORIGIN

Mavimbs was born in Swalala, a rural village outside of Mbombela. His passion for music began in primary school where he grew fond of the guitar sound from listening to records. It was only in early high school when his interest in music became prominent and was determined to start the process of learning. The lack of resources and musical infrastructures resulted into a postponement in his passion to pursue his dream. His high schooling was completed at Hazyview Comprehensive School where his subjects were in the electrical engineering field. He spent most of his teen years listening to records intensely, not knowing that was the beginning of his musical ear enhancement.

EDUCATION

He began his musical career at the University of the Witwatersrand where his initial training took off under the tutorship of Bheki Khoza, Prof. Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, Prof. Malcom Nay, Dr. Jonathan Crossley & Prof. Carlo Mombelli. He simultaneously attended extra classes at the Welcome Soweto School of Music (WESSOM), a community centre in Pimville, Soweto. This is where he began to play the double bass. He initially did not receive any formal training but was privileged to have mentors such as Leon Bosch, Lex Futshane who recognised his potential and offered guidance. He attended music courses such as the MIAGI Youth Orchestra camps, JPO carded-ship, National Youth Jazz Festival and many more that were instrumental in his development. He graduated with a double major in Composition and Performance.

ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE

He gives his most influential attributes to the MIAGI Youth Orchestra (Music Is A Great Investment) who were instrumental in shaping his orchestral experience. He was a member of the South African Youth Orchestra (SANYO), Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra (JSO). Professionally he has worked with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) and many small ensembles. He has travelled locally and abroad to the Konzerthaus, Elbphilharmonie, Concertgebouw and many more

JAZZ EXPERIENCE

Mavimbs has worked in the jazz fraternity with some iconic musicians such as Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim on the Ekaya Big Band Tour in South Africa. The late Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, Zim Ngqawana. He has been in the jazz scene for the past 14 years working with the likes of Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, Marcus Wyatt, McCoy Mrubata, Feya Faku, Tumi Mogorosi, Asher Gamedze, Bokani Dyer and many more. He has worked with some iconic Afro-Jazz musicians such as Simphiwe Dana, Msaki, Gabi Motuba, Spha Mdlalose, Mandisi Dyantis just to name a few.

COLLABORATIONS & PRODUCTION

Longstanding collaborator Slindile Mthembu whom they have put work together starting with Milked Voice in 2016, Igama (2020), Re-mebering (2020) & Old Soul Waiting (2022). Mavimbs has conceptual work called Basslexia (2021) which explores the merger of Western instruments with the African practice and forming a dialogue. He has produced...