The Mike Campbell / Bongani Sotshononda Big Band

ABOUT

A unique blend of African and Big Band Jazz

The MCBS Big Band is a project begun by marimba virtuoso Bongani Sotshononda and big band arranger/conductor/composer Mike Campbell a number of years ago. It features a 17-piece group playing a unique blend of African and big band jazz arranged by Mike and featuring Bongani’s compositions and marimba artistry. This is an original concept, which brings together contemporary African styles and the big band tradition. The players include top Cape Town musicians as well as new, young talent. The music is accessible and appeals to young and old.

Mike Campbell is one of SAs leading composer/arrangers with many years in the jazz and commercial music industry. His arrangements for orchestra and big band have featured with a host of the country’s top performing artists such as Gloria Bosman, the late Sibongile Khumalo, Judith Sephuma, Marcus Wyatt, Loyiso Bala, Jimmy Dludlu, the late Winston Mankunku, Zonke Dikana and many more. He created the UCT College of Music jazz program, which he headed since its inception. Many of the new generation of South African jazz artists have come out of the UCT jazz program, distinguishing themselves locally and abroad. Campbell is a Capetonian by origin, also having spent time in the U.S. where he graduated from the University of North Texas and ran a successful band for several years.

Bongani Sotshononda is a composer, arranger, chromatic marimba and vibraphone player who has wowed audiences in the country and internationally. His work includes collaborations with world renowned vibraphonists like Stephon Harris (New York), Pascal Schumacher (Belgium), Magda de Vries (top SA classical marimba player). Some of the musicians he has worked with include the Brubeck Brothers, Morris Goldberg, William Haubrich, Dave Reynolds, Buddy Wells, McCoy Mrubatha and many others. Now currently working and touring with JAV ( Jozefinn Austral View ) a world music collaboration of four Indian Ocean countries namely South Africa, Reunion Island , Madagascar and Mozambique. The latest album released in 2020 entitled “Bongani Sotshononda's Indigenous Orchestra Live in Cape Town” has so far been very well received.

Limited Seated Event: 21 November 2021, 5PM at Norval Foundation. Online Streaming open for one week.

DIRECTIONS