First off a confession – this past Sunday was the very first one in which I attended a Jazz’Afro Sunday at The Barn. The fact that I had someone willing to accompany me was a bonus of note and made the evening brilliant.
Anyway, we saw Benjamin Jephta and mates: Bokani Dyer on Piano, Keenan Ahrends on Guitar and Marlon Witbooi on Drums and were quite enthralled at the level of competence of these young musicians. Bassist and Composer, Jephta is the 2017 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz winner.
Disappointing was the number of attendees. We encourage you to attend one or two of these sessions as they are a wonderful way to end off a weekend and ease into the next week.
Thandeka Marwanqa will be performing on Sunday, 27 May 2018at the Barn Theatre, PE Opera House from 17h00. Admission is R70.00 (R50.00 Pensioners) – limited seating be sure to be early.
Thandeka was born and bred in Port Elizabeth where she currently resides. She started schooling in the United Kingdom of Lesotho where she did her primary and high school.
Thandeka furthered her education at Tswane University of Technology in Pretoria where she obtained her National Diploma in Fashion Design in 1987.
She came back to PE to pursue her career in the clothing and textile industry and later joined the iconic group “BLACK SLAVE” as the lead singer.
The “Black Slave” performed at various cooperate events and live performance gigs throughout Nelson Mandela Bay.
During 1989 ‘Black Slave’ was the resident band at Mdantsane Sun for an initial period of 6 months which was later extended to 9months due to popular demand. While still at Mdantsane Sun ‘Black Slave’ secured another contract at a hotel at the popular Umngeni Road Durban for a year.
From Durban Black Slave went to Cape Town and moved from club to club and got tremendous exposure.
The Black Slave played at the Battle of Bands at “29 ON FLAMINGO” in Cape Town alongside with LOADING ZONE GROUP amongst others that produced the acclaimed JIMMY DLUDLU.
In 2001 Thandeka moved to Johannesburg. She worked with Thulani Mkhize at Indaba Hotel in Fourways every Sundays for a year. Saturday night’s she and Thulani also gigged at Monte Casino at Coacoa Bango Restaurant.
Thandeka hooked up with the ex-Black Slave member Phinda Mtya Matlala and did a few gigs that landed an opportunity from DTI to tour DRC.
She worked with HAVANNA GAS based in Pretoria.
At the beginning of 2015 she was honoured to be invited to form part of the “JAZZ QUEENS ON THE BAY” based in Port Elizabeth.
The Jazz Queens shared the stage with vocalists extraordinaire Lira and Judith Sephuma at the DIVAS IN SPRING show held at Victoria Park.
In December 2015 the Jazz Queens also performed at Nelson Mandela University Missionvale Campus in the presence of Hon Nathi Mthethwa and MEC ARTS AND CULTURE Dr Pemmy Majodina.
In May 2016 Thandeka performed at KWANTU TOWERS during the AFIKA DAY celebrations in the presence of former Nelson Mandela Day Metro Mayor Danny Jordaan and Pemmy Majodina.
During July 2016 Thandeka along with the Jazz Queens, received an award from the Mayor during the Living Legends Legacy Projects at the Feather Market Hall.
Also in July of 2016 the Jazz Queens performed at the PE Opera House during Nelson Mandela Cultural Festival. Closing off a very busy 2016, the Jazz Queens were invited to perform in Queenstown at the Jazz Festival for Legends organised by Arts and Culture MEC PEMMY MAJODINA.
On Sunday 27 May Thandeka will be joined by Bomi Norexe on Drums along with Mthokozisi Mabuza – Keys; Mano Smith – Guitar; Edgar Muzah – Bass G; Siyasanga Koyo and Unathi Ntlabathi providing Backing Vocals
Alan Straton
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