EXHIBITION – Umongo Msindo

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ARTISTS

THE MUSICIANS

Prolific Mam Bavikele Ngema, born in Nkandla district in KwaZulu Natal, is a virtuoso Umakhuweyana player based in Embongolwane, Eshowe. She learned to play Umakhuweyana from her sister at a very young age. She describes her relationship with the music as being grabbed by the instrument’s energy and strength, and as she grew up, she began composing her own songs. Over the years, she developed an impressive repertoire and travelled worldwide to sharing her music. As a teacher, she inspires many young instrumentalists also to play Umakhuweyana.

Bhekani “Zulu” Ngcamu was born in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu Natal. As the son of a farming family, he kept moving from farm to farm. When he was older, his parents settled in the land of the Sotho. This is where he got his name: Zulu. When visiting the shepherd and cow-herders in that area, he was drawn to the instrument they played: Isirhankula. This was when he started making and playing his own version: Udloko.

Msayinelwa Biyela from Emvuzane, Eshowe, also known as Nkathazeko, is a multi-instrumentalist who has roots in Maskandi, being a guitarist. The instrument he introduced as part of Umongo Msindo is Ingungu. It is an instrument used during puberty or coming of age ceremonies, done when a child has come to the age of making their own decisions (usually from 18 years old).

Njeza Dlamini is from Magabheni, Umkhomazi, KwaZulu Natal. Njeza plays the guitar and a self-made flute (Umntshingo). He started playing when he was very young, around the early 60s, when he was taught how to play the tin guitar by his cousin, who played bass in the school band. This cousin played a ‘box bass’ or ikhabethe, which was inspiring to Njeza and is still the same bass he plays and makes today.

Sphelele Dlamini s from Magabheni, Umkhomazi, KwaZulu Natal. Sphelele comes from a family of musicians. He was introduced to the Umnthsingo (flute) by someone from the neighbourhood. When he heard its sound, he was deeply inspired.