Catch jazz legends at debut album launch
THE Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble, will present a special one-off concert at the Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown to launch their debut album, Ezintabeni, on Sunday. UJE’s 11 members have more than a century of musical experience between them. They have never stopped practising, and they never will – that’s what makes them special, says Moses Sefatsa. The UJE, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and KZN Music House, have recorded their long overdue debut album, featuring respected musicians who have dedicated their lives to their music. The Sagiya Foundation made it possible for UJE to share the stories of their beloved home, aiming to hit the global market.
The people of Umkhumbane called the area Ezintabeni due to the “uneven landscapes” that housed informal settlements occupied by people of all races.
The unification of races and cultures made it possible for members of the band to tap into a broad landscape of memories when creating their debut album.
UJE have put huge effort into recording this album for the purpose of creating valuable archive material for arts and musical heritage.
UJE features Moses Sefatsha, Jerry Kunene, Muntu Dube, Sithembiso Ntuli and the Mduduzi Magwaza Brass section: Eric Duma and Bheki Luthuli; vocals Adolph “Mbova” Kunene; keys Vincent Mthetwa, bass KB ‘The Master’ Maphumulo; guitar Mduduzi Mahlobo; and drums Atlas Duma.
Every member of the 11-piece band had a hand in crafting at least one of the album’s 12 tracks. UJE then included some commemoration songs from African Jazz Pioneers: Sigaxa Mabhande and Way Back 50s.
The band is an example of resilience – think how long they’ve been playing without releasing an album. Bring extra cash and pick up this important record.
You can catch them at The Rainbow, (3 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown).
Doors open at 1pm, concert starts at 2pm.
Tickets cost R80 at the door or online: www. webtickets.co.za