Slow Life and Jazz in the Native Yards present An evening with South African Jazz icon Dr Tete Mbambisa

JAZZ GIANT AMONGST THE HEROES - Gwen Ansell

Banner image by Aryan Kaganof

NBNBNB PLEASE NOTE: NO PARKING IN AXMINSTER ROAD ITSELF . PLEASE PARK IN BATH ROAD OR BOX ROAD OR AT THE PARKING LOT 150M AWAY. THANK YOU

Born on January 12, 1942, in East London, Dr. Tete Mbambisa stands as a luminary figure in South African jazz. A self-taught virtuoso, his musical odyssey began in the vibrant milieu of the mid-1950s. Pioneering the formation of the Four Yanks and the Junior Four Yanks vocal groups, his creative spirit soared. Transitioning seamlessly to the piano, he made indelible marks with the Jazz Giants in 1961, immersing himself in the Cape Town jazz scene. Throughout the 1960s, his collaborations expanded, gracing stages alongside icons like the Ronnie Beer Quintet and Spirits Rejoice. A maestro in collaboration, he lent his talents to luminaries such as Winston Mankunku, Zim Ngqawana, and Herbie Tsoaeli. 

Amidst these harmonious partnerships, his solo career flourished, marked by albums like "Tete’s Big Sound" (1976), "Did You Tell Your Mother" (1979), "Black Heroes" (2012), and "One for Asa" (2017), each a testament to his enduring legacy in the jazz realm.

Tete Mbambisa was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in music in 2023 by the University of Cape  Town, for his enormous contribution to the South African jazz culture. 

He is also the 7^th to be inducted into the Van Toeka Living Legend Programme that recognises prominent national artists by the South African National Department of Arts, Culture and Sport. He follows the likes of pianist Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim, actor Dr. John Kani and poet-laureate Jimmy Matthews.

His long recorded ( 1976 ) but recently released “ African Day” is taking South Africa by storm. He will be performing from an array of his most recent works at all the upcoming concerts of 2024. His recent concerts at 84 years of age are at The One Room in Gqeberha on the 26 September. Nikki’s Oasis Johannesburg on the 29^th September  , The Afrika Freedom Station on the 4 October and at Irene Country Club on the 5^th October . His upcoming concerts include SlowLife on the 27 October and the Norix Sculpture Park concert commissioned by the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation, on the 1 December and  at The Mandela Sanctuary on 8 December 2024

Band - Babes Ndamase on drums, Tete on piano, Tumi Pheko on trumpet, Clayton Pretorius on bass

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