DURBAN-BASED musician Mandla Matsha will launch his music project AfroGong and his new single Step up! at Cool Runnings, 49 Milne Street, Durban Central, on Saturday 2 June.
Mandla has charmed and performed for audiences for over 15 years with an impressive array of instruments at his beck and call. His beautiful authentic Rasta dreadlocks are iconic in the music landscape as is his soulful presence.
Primarily known as a master drummer and percussionist, he is also a skilled flute and double bass player. Bringing all his musical genius together, Mandla has been working on writing ensemble music and lyrics and will be launching this at Cool Runnings.
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‘Gong’ is Jamaican slang for ‘going’ and Mandla says that the band’s name comes from this idea of ‘African going’, of working in African ways. The sound he and the band are creating is powered by a solid African groove, and mixes the influences of afro-rock, reggae, R&B, jazz, funk and even classical. It’s a unique sound for a unique project and the launch promises to be one of the most anticipated events on the Durban music calendar for 2018.
AfroGong has an impressive array of Durban based musicians that reads like an image of a united Africa. Mandla is on vocals and is joined by Jaedon Daniel (keyboard), Alberto Chemane (drums), Wonder Jazz Hlubi (bass guitar), Sthembiso Hlela (percussion), Daniel Sheldon (trumpet), Siyalo Zulu (trombone) and Aristides Manhique (lead guitar).
Opening the AfroGong single launch is well known hip-hop artist Raheem Kemet.
Tickets are R60 (available at the door on the night), and doors open at 8pm.
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