Artist Profiles: Abdullah Ibrahim
Some knew him as Dollar Brand, others by his adopted moniker of Abdullah Ibrahim, which he began using in the late 1960s after his conversion…
Timelessly Crafted Songs of Resilience
Various Artists – A Woman’s World – Songs of Resilience & Hope (ARC Music, 2018) Songs of Resilience & Hope highlights songs from triumphant female…
Artist Profiles: Dizu Zungulu Plaatjies
The son of an African herbalist, vocalist, percussionist and dancer Dizu Zungulu Plaatjies was born on 5 February 1957. His parents called him Zungulu, ‘the…
Artist Profiles: Mzwandile Qotoyi
Mzwandile Qotoyi – Bass & piccolo marimba, African drums, percussion, vocals, and dance. Born on 12 November 1951, in Langa, multi-instrumentalist Mzwandile Qotoyi is known…
Artist Profiles: Simpiwe Matole
Simpiwe Matole – Soprano marimba, vocals, dance/acrobatics. Born on 29 May 1963, Simpiwe Matole is the only boy in a family of daughters and was…
Artist Profiles: Michael ‘Nkululeku’ Ludonga
Michael ‘Nkululeku’ Ludonga – African drums, tenor marimba, vocals, dance. Born on 15 November 1962, in Langa, drummer and marimba player Michael ‘Nkululeku’ Ludonga was…
Artist Profiles: Mandla Lande
Mandla Lande – African drums, percussion (jembe/congas), vocals, dance/acrobatics. Born on 30 May 1962, in Langa, Mandla Lande means ‘power’ and is the name given…
Artist Profiles: Blackie Zandisile Mbizela
Blackie Zandisile Mbizela – Bass marimba, percussion, vocals, dance. Blackie Zandisile Mbizela was born on 27 December 1961, in Langa. ‘Zandisile’ has no direct English…
Artist Profiles: Nondzondelelo Fancy Galada
Born in 1970 in Langa, Nondzondelelo Fancy Galada started singing a repertoire of mainly African choral music at the age of eleven with the Thembani…
Artist Profiles: Lulu Lungiswa Plaatjies
Dizu Plattajies’ niece, Lulu Lungiswa Plaatjies was born in 1973 and has performed with Amampondo since the age of nine. She appeared on the first…