Mzansi performed a Tribute to O.R. Tambo not only in South Africa but also staged three performances in the UK, at the Barbican Theatre, London, Elim @Bristol City Church and Salisbury Cathedral in 2007.
Mzansi Music Ensemble, the country’s first music ensemble dedicated to performing classics and compositions of our time, pays musical tribute to South African icons in appreciation to South Africa’s linguistic diversity, celebrating great musical works in an impressive display of raw talent, leaving audiences spellbound as they weave, praise singing, voice and improvisation by a 13-piece big band and 10 voices that performed at the Pretoria State Theatre, Market Theatre, Jo’burg Theatre, SOWETO Theatre, Durban Playhouse and at the PE Opera House, 2015-2016, just to name a few.
Mzansi Music Ensemble is the brain child of the late Victor Ntoni who is a recipient of the Presidential Award, the Order of the Kamanga, for his contribution to the arts in South Africa.
The Ensemble, once again is set to hit the shores of the United Kingdom, this time honouring the great son of the soil, a renowned world icon, by communicating the message about South Africa’s freedom and its democracy through music demonstrating the pivotal role Nelson Mandela played in the country’s achievement.
To present a vibrant, witty and colourful production that seeks to celebrate and create awareness of the legacy of this great icon.
Characterised by its robust energy Mzansi Music Ensemble plays a positive and dynamic role in the community, signifying the pursuit of excellence, collaboration, community service, innovation, as well as sound and creativity management practices.
The project is founded by The Gauteng Music Development, an Initiative of the late Victor Ntoni whose long time vision was to have such an ensemble, and who in the latter years of his life wrote big band scores that were never performed in anticipation that one day such an ensemble will exist. The majority of the musicians that make part of the ensemble were mentored by Ntoni himself who worked tirelessly to create a national memory through the Gauteng Music Development. This tour is a continuation of his legacy.
Like numerous music ensembles all over the world dedicated to the preservation, and promoting composer works, the Gauteng Music Development management runs auditions nationally seeking new talent, and coordinates mentorship clinics with established musicians, thus fostering inter-generational collaboration through interactions and rehearsals that yield further training on presentation as well as exploring great compositions by fore bearers. The Ensemble continues to stage performances featuring music of different composers, each being dedicated to a specific genre or artists.
About Gauteng Music Development
The main aim of the Mzansi Music Ensemble is to promote an awareness of the intriguing magnetism of proudly South African music demonstrating the vast versatility and charm of our country’s deep rooted culture in a sophisticated modern interpretation of this music.
Possessing immense knowledge in the music and entertainment industries of South Africa with results to a broad profile of events achieved by the company both in South Africa and abroad, the company’s contribution has gained South Africa recognition to its local provinces and international musical events.
The company plays a pivot role within the key business activities that include artist’s management, coordinating and managing events, conceptualization of specialized events, music production, promoting the indigenous music and dance of South Africa.
(“Even in bleak moments we were never in doubt regarding the winning of freedom” Oliver Tambo
Bristol hosted the spectacular South African, "Mzansi Sings a tribute to Oliver Tambo" musical, a ‘jazz meets choral extravaganza’ on Sunday 24th June at a sold out Elim @ Bristol City Church, the newly refurbished amphitheatre – seating 600 people.https://www.everyclick.com/yvette-gate-bone-marrow-campaign/398922/0/search?keyword=mzansi+sings+ensemble&refresh.x=35&refresh.y=6)
OUR LINK TO THE EDFRINGE WEBSITE IS –
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mandela-celebration