Endler concert series enriches with African music ensemble

The Endler Concert Series hosted a performance by the African music ensemble, iiNceba zoMdali, featuring their programme Angilelanga, over the weekend. Following an appearance at Constellations at Spier in 2022, Ncebakazi Mnukwana was invited by director Brett Bailey of Third World Bunfight to perform at the Spier Harvest Festival last year with an ensemble. Embracing this opportunity, Mnukwana collaborated with musician and arranger Lungiswa Plaatjies from Langa, to create the ensemble iiNceba zoMdali. Joining were marimba player and percussionist Mkhokheli Kim Masala, along with Afro-jazz electric bass player Bongani Nikelo, with Mnukwana curating a repertoire rich in traditional and indigenous music. The ensemble, composed of Ncebakazi Mnukwana, lead vocals, uhadi, umrhubhe, hand percussion; Lungiswa Plaatjies, vocals, uhadi, dodo harp, hand percussion; Bongani Nikelo, electric bass, vocals; Mkhokheli Kim Masala, marimba, cajón, vocals; gave an eclectic performance that celebrated Pan-African traditions while incorporating indigenous music instruments such as the uhadi, umrhubhe, dodo harp, nyungwe nyungwe, marimba, and kayomba. Ncebakazi Mnukwana, who is also lecturer in Music Education at Stellenbosch University and leader of the SU African Ensemble, expressed her enthusiasm and said: “I am so excited to have my maiden performance in the Endler Concert Series, where I showcase the work of our African music division alongside my own ensemble, iiNceba zoMdali. iiNceba zoMdali is a new ensemble made up of old souls who have a deep connection between the music and each individual spiritual journey.”