Thokozani Mhlambi to play SA State Theatre

Zulu Song Cycle was released in September and features such songs as ‘Hamb uyo Thela’, ‘Ndemka’, ‘Ngena’, ‘Lizalise’ and ‘Nxembula’. The album is a compilation of songs keeping with the spirit of the region and is available for streaming on Google Play and Deezer.

“Some of the pieces contained in Dr Mhlambi’s Zulu Song Cycle are a reflection of key historical moments,” SAST said. “Such as ‘Tribute to Ntsikana’, the great Xhosa poet who lived in the 18th century. As legend has it Ntsikana began to preach a message of Christian conversion to his people before European missions arrived.

“One of his instructions was that the people must throw away the red clay, the red clay (udaka olubovu) being the paste that people used to smear on their faces, which was considered to be the practice of the ‘uncivilised’ (amaqaba) once missionaries had arrived. Here the cello imitates the sound of ugubhu musical bow, that Princess Magogo would place, while the voice soars above it in a kind of dramatic musical dialogue.”

The album, SAST said, aims to empower communities through music.

“He is often seen talking with his audiences while on stage, teaching on African innovative and dramatic forms, while gripping them in mesmeric music textures, of song and declamatory vocal lines. The Zulu Song Cycle album attracted significant interest when it showcased at the Durban Playhouse, Baxter Theatre, Soweto Theatre and now recently at the National Arts Festival.”

About Thokozani Mhlambi

Mhlambi is a National Research Foundation postdoctoral fellow in innovation at the Archive and Public Culture Research Initiative at the University of Cape Town. Born in KwaZulu-Natal province, Mhlambi is a cultural thinker and musical innovator whose style is drawn from the rich heritage of Africa while still asserting global standards of quality music making.

Tickets to the event are available here and at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide.