Masterly jazz evening with Tete Mbambisa
JAZZ lovers were treated to an evening of African jazz sounds by legendary master Tete Mbambisa on Friday evening.
Distinctly African sounds filled the Miriam Makeba Centre in East London as Mbambisa and his South Africa-United Kingdom Big Sound 2017 tour, treated audience members to songs from his latest album, One for Asa.
Mbambisa was joined on stage by fellow South Africans saxophonist Barney Rachabane and drummer Ayanda Sikade.
Alongside the trio were British greats Julian Arguelles on tenor, Chris Batchelor on trumpet and Steve Watts on bass.
Together, the big band entertained the audience to hits such as Blues for Pat, a song Mbambisa composed in tribute to his old friend and fellow jazz musician Pat Matshikiza, and Oliver Nelson’s hit Stolen Moments.
Mbambisa and his band kept the original 70s jazz sound alive while bringing in contemporary sounds which brought the audience to their feet.
Bambelihle Nkwentsha said: “Mbambisa and his band transcended my expectations. He introduced us to prolific sounds. Mbambisa is one of the people who were big in the 80s, and tonight his music intermixed the nostalgic with contemporary sounds.”
Music student Saneziwe Nodada said: “I’ve had an amazing evening. It’s my first time watching Tete Mbambisa performing live. It was astounding. Their sounds came together so well.”
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, the Duncan Village-born legend said it felt good being back home.
“Friday was great. I had a great time playing for the audience and it felt good being back to play in the Eastern Cape. I normally come to play at smaller occasions, so it was great being live on such a platform,” he said.
ANC activist and former BCM councillor Mike Mnikina was one of the audience members on his feet as the band performed their hits.
“I was showering the stress away. This has been mentally and spiritually rejuvenating for me. Tete is my home boy, I grew up listening to his songs in our neighbourhood. I had a great time. Now we are ready to go re-liberate the people.”
Mbambisa will be taking his SAUK Big Sound tour to Johannesburg and Durban. —