Tribute to O.R. Tambo ft. Dumza Maswana, Nosisi Mavela and Reuben Malgas

“A Tribute to O.R. Tambo” is a musical tribute to one of South Africa’s (and perhaps one of Africa’s) greatest sons, Oliver Reginald Tambo (O.R.) who was originally from the Eastern Cape.

This musical tribute to O.R. was written, conceptualized and produced by another great son of South Africa who also originated from the Eastern Cape, the world acclaimed musician, bassist, composer, conductor and producer Victor Mhleli Ntoni.

Both are recipients of South Africa’s highest awards (i.e. O.R. Tambo awarded the Order of the Baobab; Victor Ntoni awarded the Order of Ikamanga) in recognition of their contributions to the establishment of a new and democratic South Africa.

The first performance of “Mzansi Sings a Tribute to O.R. Tambo” (currently known as Mzansi Music Ensemble) was at Gallagher Estate Auditorium in 2005 and was attended by President Jacob. G. Zuma (who was Deputy President of SA), the Late Ma Adelaide Tambo, the Tambo family and many other high profile and distinguished guests including the then South African High Commissioner to the U.K. Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza who was instrumental for “Mzansi Sings a Tribute to O.R. Tambo” touring the U.K. including performances at the world famous Barbican Theatre in London, the London Broadway Theatre, Elim in Bristol and the imposing Salisbury Cathedral. The show also performed in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

“Mzansi Sings a Tribute to O.R. Tambo” has travelled and performed in various venues and cities in South Africa including the 90th Birthday of O.R. Tambo in Umtata in the Eastern Cape (2007) and the year before it also performed in Mmabatho in the Northwest Province (2006).

Mzansi Music Ensemble continued to pay Tributes to other late music icons of the soil even after Victor Ntoni’s passing in 2013 in various great Theatres within the different provinces including Port Elizabeth Theatre.

Following up to the last paid tribute to O.R. Tambo that was last staged a couple of years ago, a resized performance with a full band, backing vocals and 3 man artists also originating from the Eastern Cape. Naming the likes of Dumza Maswana, Nosisi Mavela and Reuben Malgas are featured to rock the audiences at The One Room just on the June 16’s eve in Port Elizabeth.