Ubuntu Marimba Band plays authentic African sounds
By Edward Tsumele
Over the years I had the privilege to watch this band on stage at several venues around Johannesburg as well as during rehearsals at their home in Yeoville.
For example, I have followed Ubuntu Marimba band in various venues in Norwood, Maboneng and Yeoville, but each time you see them on stage they will affect you as an audience member differently from the last time you watched them.
This definitely is a band which is in a class of its own in South Africa, whose stage energy and presence is infectious and the songs they compose and record stand out in the overcrowded music scene in South Africa. Their use of traditional African musical instruments make the band even more outsanding and authentic as a true representative of African culture globally.
Well many a band has shifted from one sound to another in South Africa over the years, some from kwaito gqom and hip hop to Amapiano, the flavour of the moment, Ubuntu Marimba band has however consistently remained the same with their deep Afro music sound, and that consistency of purpose is now paying off handsomely as the band gets to perform around Gauteng, and are currently eyeing performing overseas once again once the situation of Covid allows them to do so.
“Yes our sound is deeply appreciated by overseas audiences and we have been receiving good reviews from music fans from around the world to our videos on Youtube. We will soon be recruiting a manger to represent us in Europe soon in preparation for a tour of European countries once the situation of Covid allows us,” the band’s anchorman Pap Mbongo told me this week. At the time the band was waiting for a confirmation of a date with music fans in Orange Farm, which was confirmed this week for November 7, 2021 at Phola Cafe in Orange Farm, Ext 2, Near Taxi Rank, South of Johannesburg.
Who is Ubuntu Marimba band?
UBUNTU is a unique Afro Marimba Band whose music has enthralled audiences around the world. The band featured in international festivals such as Ramallah and Sabestia International Festival held in the Palestine. In 2000 UBUNTU was invited to perform at WASSHOI 2000! World Performing Arts Festival in Osaka – Japan. The festival included more than 70 countries across the globe. These African musicians have also performed extensively in Europe (Italy. Germany and France) to roars of audience delight.
In South Africa UBUNTU have performed in popular venues such as the Bassline, Johannesburg Civic Theatre, Wits University, Sun City, The Play House (Durban), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Square (Port Elizabeth), The Windybrow Theatre, Wham Festival (Sasolburg), and constantly feature in Rosebank at the Zone and Ekhaya African Pub in Yeoville.
UBUNTU combines African instruments such as Marimbas, Western Drums, to create a distinct and powerful African sound. The band has recently released its first album titled “Africa”.
Band Members:
Vusi Nkosi (Turner/ Bass Marimba)
Fanyana Ratau – (Bass/ Turrner Marimba)
Sfiso Mabizela (Lead Guitar)
Bafana “Jah Maan” Msimango (Percussions)
Ndumiso “BabyJake” Makua (Soprano/ Bass Marimba)
Papa Mbongo (Drums and Traditional Horns)
Facebook page: Ubuntu Marimba Band
Youtube: Ubuntu Marimba Band – Jikelele
If you would like to book the band you can contact them on the following contact numbers::
Papa Mbongo: 082 497 6031 email: papa.mbongo@gmail.co.za
Vusi Nkosi: 073 923 9421 email: bovuma.cultur99@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Ubuntu-Marimba-Band-609808522423100/
YouTube: Ubuntu Marimba Band – Jikelele