Compliments, Honour and Respect

In the past decade the country has lost a galaxy of stars. While some might have been forgotten by the world, their respective band members have taken the effort to preserve their music.

Mzansi Ensemble is an extraordinary eighteen piece band consisting of a choir and a string orchestra that has focussed on paying tribute to the late Victor Ntoni, a talented bassist, vocalist, and composer. His career spanned over three decades, during which he wrote and performed such favourites as Thetha, Lishonile, and Seliyana, around the continent and globally.

After the passing of this musical genius, Linda Ntoni, along with the co-founders of the Gauteng Music Development made the clarion call to keep the crackling fire of his delightful music burning.

Conducted by Prince Lengoasa, the band consists of illustrious performers such as Mncedisi “Babes” Ndamase, Dumisani Mswana, Suthukazi Arosi, and a multitude of young and notable musicians, including Nqobile Sibeko, Linda Sikhakane, Philile Sithathu, Siyabonga Zwane, and Zoliswa Mavela rendering items in a deft approach, while Jessica Mbangeni narrates with exertion.

Besides the fact that a sense of pride, loyalty and unity is evident in their performances, the band has reignited music from this epoch, giving a fitting tribute to the creativity of this era.

Thandi Sibeko, the organiser of Gauteng Music Development, hinted that there will be similar tributes upcoming.