Quartet to perform live at Emnotweni for the first time
Before they became a full-time professional outfit in 1992, they were joined by childhood friend and violinist Makhosini Mnguni.
Beloved South African classical music ensemble, the Soweto String Quartet, are bringing their vibrant and funky jazz sound to , the Lowveld’s premier entertainment destination, for the very first time on Friday, August 05, 2016.
Popular Afrikaans songstress, Charlize Berg, will open the show and also join the quartet on stage.
“The Soweto String Quartet is an institution in South African music circles, and we are proud to host them at Emnotweni as they perform live at our venue for the first time,” said Dennis de Beer, Emnotweni’s General Manager. “Charlize Berg undeniably has one of the most distinctive and unique voices in the country and her collaboration with the quartet will surely be the highlight of the evening. Their performances will bring an exciting fusion between classical instruments, which flows from popular Afrikaans music to soulful jazz sounds, to Nelspruit.”
The Soweto String Quartet was formed by the Khemese brothers, violinists Sandile and Thami and cellist, Reuben in 1989 at the Madimba School of Music in the township of Soweto. Before they became a full-time professional outfit in 1992, they were joined by childhood friend and violinist Makhosini Mnguni.
The quartet’s sound is characterised by traditional European instruments infused with the dance rhythms of Kwela, the guitar sounds of Mbaqanga and the saxophones and trumpets of African jazz.
The group initially received wide interest coupled with criticism. As four black classical musicians from a South African township, they were seen as a political statement during the apartheid era.
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The turning point in The Soweto String Quartet’s career was when they performed at the late former President Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994. This exposure opened multiple doors and recognition for the outfit, and even some gigs referred to by the president himself.
These South African ambassadors have performed at numerous festivals and high-profile events both locally and abroad, and have palmed in numerous awards and gained fans from across the globe.
Their latest album, Collections, was released in March 2016, which equals a total of 11 albums from the quartet. Zebra Crossing, Renaissance, Millennia, Four, and Our World are just some of their best-selling albums.
Centurion-born singer and songwriter Charlize Berg shot to the top in the Afrikaans music industry early on in her career, receiving instant success after the release of her single, You and I – a duet she performed with Heinz Winckler. Signed by Select Music, Charlize has joined music heavy weights like Kurt Darren, Nicholis Louw and Ray Dylan on stage.
In 2010, Charlize was nominated for both a Ghoema and a Tempo award. Two years later, she was nominated for two SAMA awards – Best Pop Album and Best Female Artist – while You and I was nominated for Song of the Year. In 2011, she released her debut album, Charlize Berg, followed by Deluxe Weergawe in 2013. In 2014, she again added Ghoema and SAMA nominations to her list of achievements.
The Soweto String Quartet’s live show at Emnotweni, featuring Charlize Berg, starts at 18:30. Tickets are available through Computicket from R150 and Front Row Centre Seats from R200 per person.
Emnotweni cardholders receive up to 20 per cent discount on tickets. A cash bar will be available.
For more information, visit www.emnotweni.co.za.
