Afrika Dzonga "South Africa (Perceived in a democratic context) - Worthy of being celebrated" by Dr Shalati Joseph Khosa from the album Matimba ya Vuyimbeleri produced by Dr Reuel J Khoza. Listen now on Apple Music itunes.apple.com/album/id/1230...
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KZread Music • Matimba Ya Vuyimbeleri
Visit www.sjkhosamusic.co.za/ to access all the albums and sheet music now available
Visit www.reuelkhoza.co.za/ for more about Executive Producer Dr Reuel J Khoza
Dr Shalati Joseph Khosa (1936-2013)
Capturing the musical talent of a composer as prodigious as SJ Khosa in a few paragraphs is well-nigh impossible. The title song of this album, however, comes close to giving us a sense of SJ’s thoughts about what music can accomplish. The song also enables us to peep into what inspired his life’s mission: composing over 850 songs covering as broad a thematic spectrum as life itself.
In the middle of the song he proclaims in a masterly fashion that “those who gather to sing together, generate harmony, cooperation, mutual service, peace”. As he builds towards the grand finale, he proclaims emphatically that “in the absence of harmonious music there is discord and pandemonium, hatred, evil and mutual annihilation …; but the power of singing triumphs over all evil.”
The album is a mosaic of compositions premised on varied themes:
Profound Patriotism: Africa-Dzonga (Our South Africa), Vun’we (National Unity)
African Hospitality: Chunchani Mndzhwalo (Untie your Luggage and Relax), Mi ya va Rungula (Extend our Warm Regards), Famban’ Kahle. (Fare Thee Well / Bon Voyage)
Culture & Tradition: Dzundze ra Ndhabezitha (Ploughing and Planting the Royal Field), Giyani (Rejoice)
Motivation & Inspiration: Mintirho ya Vulavula (Deeds Speak), Ntwanano (Harmony), If you work Hard
History of African Heroism: Magigwana wa ka Khosa and Mabarhule are both legendary heroes of the Khosa Clan that SJ waxes lyrical about.
Philosophical Advice: Listening to the Birds (On the Therapeutic Effect of Solitude), Moon of the Night (Reflection on the Vicissitudes of Life), Matsalwa (The Power of the Written Word).
Religion: Yehovha i Murisi wa Mina (The Lord is My Shepherd), Xikhongelo Xa Hosi (The Lord’s Prayer)
The songs are performed by the award-winning University of Limpopo Choristers with Dipila as a guest choir, lead by Thabe Matsebatlela. This University is one of SJ Khosa’s alma maters. Legend has it that upon arrival in the early 1960’s he was elected deputy conductor of the University of the North Choir (now the ULC), deputising the legendary Professor Lekhele. In no time the duo were adjudicating together throughout the then Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo Province).
Accompanying the choir is the renowned KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Lyk Temmingh, with musical arrangements by Mark Cheyne. The voices are angelic, the orchestra divine, the combination heavenly. Savour the performance!
Dr Reuel J Khoza
Brothers in Music, Brothers by Choice, Choice Brothers!
Mark Cheyne (Music Producer & Orchestrator)
Mark Cheyne is one of South Africa’s most prolific symphonic arrangers. His arrangements have been performed throughout South Africa and internationally. He has worked with many well-known artists including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg, Sibongile Khumalo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lira & many others, as well as all the top orchestras in the country. Albums he has produced have received 5 nominations for South African Music Awards. He operates his music production company, Aaross Music, from Johannesburg, South Africa. www.aaross.co.za
University of Limpopo Choristers
Conductor: Thabe Matsebatlela
Situated at the heart of Mankweng, 30km East of Polokwane City, the University of Limpopo gave birth to the UL Choristers in the early 90’s. The “UL Choristers Family” as affectionately known, is built on three pillars: love for choral music, love for one another and a great sense of professional musicianship. In the words of our Mozart, SJ Khosa, “music keeps us united and strengthens us. Music allows us to serve one another, to serve our community, and to serve humanity far and beyond.”
KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Lykele Temmingh
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra of 70 full-time musicians from more than twenty countries around the world. It enjoys a reputation for innovative excellence among South African orchestras and has proved to be a formidable resource countrywide. www.kznphil.org.za
Production Credits:
Executive Producer: Dr Reuel J Khoza
Producer & Musical Arrangements: Mark Cheyne
Recording Engineer - KZNPO: Richard Mitchell
Recording Engineer - ULC: Evert De Munnik
Mixed by Mark Cheyne
Mastered by Rogan Kelsey
Album Artwork by Marc Barnard for Red Flag Design