Mahlangu is here – full of sax appeal
THIS weekend saxophonist Nhlanhla Mahlangu is in Durban with a host of musicians to bring his forthcoming debut album, DaniMali, to life.
Joining him will be Sthembiso Bhengu on trumpet, Keenen Ahrends on guitar, Sanele Phakathi on piano, Lungile Kunene on drums and Dalisu Ndlazi on bass. For other performances, there will be special guests such as vocalists Keorapetsoe Kolwane and Ntsiki Mqaba.
Tonight’s show is at The Chairman, 146 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durban, from 11pm. For bookings, call 079 753 6313 or see info@ thechairmanlive.com
Tomorrow he is at the Rainbow Restaurant in Stanfield Lane, Pinetown, from 2pm. Tickets at R70 can be booked via 031 702 9161 or www.webtickets.co.za
His album has been in development since 2013 and combines rhythmic and harmonic devices from an array of genres with serious roots in jazz and indigenous music. “DaniMali is a word made up of the prefixes of my two middle names (I’m named after my paternal and maternal great grandfathers), Daniel and Maligus. I feel this combined word best describes who I am and where I come from,” he said.
Born in Mamelodi, Pretoria, in 1989, Mahlangu picked up the saxophone at the age of 15. One of the earliest ensembles he played in was led by Yonela Mnana and he later experimented with different sounds with Nduduzo Makhathini’s band. Although he pursued jazz as his primary interest, Mahlangu was also influenced by gospel and classical music, hip-hop, kwaito, house music, mbaqanga and motswako.
“We are preparing to record our debut album and these shows are the ultimate chance to let our audience know the album is coming. We can also explore new horizons outside our regular circles in Gauteng,” Mahlangu said.