In Celebration of my Birthmonth, the Herbie Tsoaeli Afrikan Time Quartet will feature the Legendary Voices of Faith Kekana, Stella Khumalo and Zamo Mbutho. At Nikis!

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This is a continuation of Afrikan Time honouring South African legends in many different forms in our located spaces and areas of spheres and atmospheres. All these voices have been a force of our liberation and freedom dating back to earlier days, as they played such a big role in preserving our sounds and values, with their musical and historical backgrounds speaking volumes on records produced on the continent and the rest of the world.

Faith Kekana first entered the music scene in the 1980s. She released her debut album, Areyeng, in 2014, which showcases her versatile musical prowess. She was the founder member of the girl trio Shadii together with the late Anneline Malebo and Tshidi Leloka. Shadii enjoyed great acclaim and soon became the supporting act to Bayete. In the early 1990s, Faith became the supporting singer for Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya, and the late Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, and Miriam Makeba.

She later appeared in the live concerts and studio recordings of these great legends. Miriam Makeba has travelled extensively with her. They worked together on the Tribute to the late Dolly Rathebe. The well-travelled songbird boasts credits on many album recordings. She is also featured in the late Moses Moleleka, Vusi Mahlasela and Victor Ntoni albums, to name a few. 

Stella Khumalo-Zulu is a singer, backing vocalist, and vocal arranger/harmonies. She has been in the music business since the early '80s, working on recordings and performances with a group named “JAWS.” She then went on to work with the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Themba Mkhize, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lucky Dube, Stimela, Letta Mbulu, and Caiphus Semenya. She is featured in movie soundtracks, including Ushaka, Power of One, The Lion King, and Asinamali. Internationally, she recorded with Simply Red, Stef Bos, and Cyndi Lauper. She coordinated voices and recorded music arranged by Caiphus Semenya and Alex Heffes for the film Long Walk to Freedom, directed by Anant Singh. She has been on international tours, paying tribute to Miriam Makeba with Angelique Kidjo, Vusi Mahlasela, Baba Mal, and other African stars. The latest was at New York City's Carnegie Hall. 

Zamo Mbutho is a celebrated for his mastery of a cappella and harmony, earning him the title “King of A Capella”. One of the defining relationships in Zamo’s career was his longstanding role as the backing vocalist for the legendary Miriam Makeba. His songwriting talent contributed to Makeba’s success, with his song “Masakhane” becoming a celebrated hit in her repertoire. Zamo has toured internationally, bringing South African music to audiences around the world. He has worked extensively with renowned producer Ian Osrin, creating timeless pieces that showcase his talent for vocal harmony. Recently, his rendition of “Asimbonanga” was featured in the Netflix film Silverton Siege, introducing his artistry to a new generation of listeners. Zamo’s commitment to a cappella led him to establish his own group, Amarayoni, where he explores the depth and beauty of vocal music. 

Looking forward to seeing you Beautiful People in Your Numbers!!

Afrikan Time Quartet in Conversation with Black Theology

In this conversation, the Afrikan Time Quartet will seek to script and sculpt many colours of sounds to inspire hope and strength in an attempt to liberate ourselves from indoctrinations as we are from different located spaces: backyard backgrounds, spheres of atmospheres, and teachings.

The music of the Afrikan Time Quartet will be in conversation with Black Liberation Theologies in their quest to make sense of the lived realities of Black people on the backdrop of the liberatory message of Christianity. Black Liberation theologians Prof. Anthony Reddie, a professor of Black theology at Oxford University, and Dr. Lerato Kobe of the UNISA will bring dimensions of black liberation theology to this performance.

The purpose and hope of this concert is to convey Afrikan Time messages that come from the music of people by the people drawn from the teachings of multiple located spaces to create one voice. The messages come from different languages and styles, the buzz of sounds of vibrations emanating from each and every corner of the street, drums, ceremonies, celebrations, riots, shebeens, and churches of different denominations, which connected the people for hours over different eras and errors, in voices, rhythms, hymns, chants, and all the blues.

Celebrating the Great Masters in Song & Composition

Herbie Tsoaeli graced the stage at the 2023 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Africa’s premier jazz festival, which took place on September 29 and 30 at the Sandton International Convention Centre. He presented a special project in tribute to the late Johnny Mbizo Dyani, a South African vocalist and pianist who was a pioneer of free jazz and world music.

He was joined by other talented bassists, Viwe Mkizwana and Dalusi Ndlazi, as well as vocalist Titi Lozipho, who paid tribute to Gloria Bosman, South African singer and composer who passed away recently. He also honoured other jazz masters who came before him, such as Dr Bheki Mseleku and Ntate Winston Mankunku.

In the Meantime Quintet

Ably backed by Keegan Steenkamp (trumpet/flugelhorn), Steven Sokuyeka (trombone), Andile Yenana (piano) and Tefo Mahola (drums and percussion) and carrying a dancing and singing audience on waves of passion and adulation, Herbie Tsoaeli offered an inspiring, soulful, and playful performance. Some say, to really understand, you have to see him live on stage, close-up and personal with his beloved Mma Sandi (bass), as he whispers, hollers and groans, and dances her around the stage.

His new album At This Point in Time was the primary focus of this set, but in the spirit of his statement that, “I do not have a setlist, I have a waiting list – it’s channelled to me on stage”, the songs were masterfully performed through spiritual direction.