INkwenkwezi School of Artistry excels in its inaugural concert
Creative outlet for young musicians
Music spread joy through Nemato’s Ingubo Haven as the iNkwenkwezi School of Artistry presented its milestone first concert on Saturday April 13. Joining them there as guest artists was the Hamburg Jazz Band.
And making up the enthusiastic audience (eventually there was standing room only in the Ingubo Haven venue) were friends and families of the young performers.
The well-rehearsed students performed group and solo items from the classics and European and local folk tunes, including arrangements by teachers Sambesiwe Mavela and Qhama Nongce. Each young performer then received a special accolade and personalised certificate to rousing applause and ululations.
Adding to these happy vibes and affirmations, the Hamburg Jazz Band then stepped up with foottapping entertainment and audience participation. Each of the jazz musicians had started out as a recorder student of Hamburg’s Keiskamma Music Academy, founded by top flautist Helen Vosloo in Hamburg in 2006.
Its numerous graduates have since been giving back, by becoming music teachers, performing in ensembles and orchestras, and putting into practice their belief in the transformative power of a music education.
iNkwenkwezi’s Sambesiwe Mavela has travelled that cycle and is now principal flautist in the Makhanda Community Orchestra and the Hamburg Jazz Band.
He was inspired to start iNkwenkwezi in Nemato in September 2023, something for which there was clearly a need. His concert on Saturday was a roofraising success.
Members of the audience couldn’t keep themselves from jumping up and dancing to some of the catchier tunes.
The registered non-profit music project is dedicated to empowering youth through the power of music and aims to equip its students with skills to enable them to achieve excellence in a multifaceted art form that is not accessible to all.
Mavela and Nongce had observed that Port Alfred did not have any arts projects, outside of specific schools, that engaged young people.
“Youth who are not part of sports teams are more prone to drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and many other risks,” Mavela said.
But not every young person is interested in sport and Mavela and Nonge realised there was a need for creative space, specifically a musical one.
“The concert was a great success and I cannot wait to host more and teach the children more music to add to their repertoire,” Mavela said.
Next month the famous Soweto String Quartet (established in 1992 and championed by Nelson Mandela) will perform in Makhanda and the young musicians mentioned above will be involved. For more information, contact Sambesiwe: 076-514-9987.
Youth who are not part of sports teams are more prone to drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and many other risks