WeeklySA_AdminANTICIPATED: Collaboration between the ensemble and Ladysmith Black Mambazo made the latest offering a reality…
By Robert Tlapu
Usuku Oluzayo (loosely translated “the day that is coming”) is the new single that will see the two of South Africa’s eminent cultural exports to the world – the Soweto Central Chorus and the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo – sharing the stage during the launch and release of their much-anticipated single.
The launch takes place tonight at the Rockets Rooftop 86 venue in Rosebank, where only a few music and media personalities are invited to listen to the song for the first time. The multiple Grammy awards winners, Black Mambazo, will entertain the guests with a performance from their massive catalogue, combining the evening with a collaboration with Soweto Central Chorus. The single Usuku Oluzayo features Grammy Award winning producer Terrace Martin and award winning trumpeter and producer Ndabo Zulu.
The Durban-born composer and arranger has played, recorded and toured extensively with respected musicians like pianists Nduduzo Makhathini, bassist Herbie Tsoaeli, Sjava and Mbuso Khoza, just to name a few. His debut project Queen Nandi: The Africa Symphony bagged him the Mzansi Jazz award.
The collaborative work between Black Mambazo and Soweto Central Chorus will see the audiences enjoying their upcoming concert series.
“SCC’s mandate is to produce musical pieces that speak to the soul and build on spirituality irrespective of the music genre. This approach is the main reason why they never confined themselves to only working within specific or defined prescripts of demarcated music genres” said the Musical Director, Manzini Zungu. Formed thirteen years ago in Mofolo, Soweto Central Chorus is a unique and musically elective ensemble.
It boats over 60 members formed from a community of family members, who’s core mandate is to minister and spread the word of God through song with their albums and performances on big stages with noticeable collaborations such as the 2019 project with Samthing Soweto on the hit song Bawo, which currently sits above 8 Million view on YouTube. Some of their collaborations includes the music industry’s well known artists such as Ntokozo Mbambo & Nqubeko Mbatha, Mbuso Khoza, Mmatema, Siphokazi, Betusile Mcinga, Dumi Mkokstad and most recently Khaya Mthethwa, Manu WorldStar, Thando Zide and Ndabo Zulu just to name a few.
For more updates on the ensemble follow their social media pages under the name, ‘the Soweto Central Chorus’.
