Youthful brass band aims high
ALEXANDRA - Alexandra's history of talent in the entertainment industry continues through its new crop of up coming artists who will hopefully continue to grace local and international platforms.
Alexandra’s history of talent in the entertainment industry continues through its new crop of up and coming artists.
Its music icons include Mahlathini and the Mahotela Queens, Hugh Masakela, Condry Ziqhubu and the Alexandra Brass Band. Some of the icons nurtured their talent from an early age and grew to stardom from the support they received because of their commitment. Others blossomed for a while but were distracted from making it big due to bad influences.
One emerging group, the Bambanani Brass band is hoping to follow the footsteps of success in the industry through commitment. Formed in 2010, the 10-member group which deceptively appears as rag tag outfit, has all the ingredients of success. This reporter met them while they were practising their brand of brass music on a chilly weekend morning at Three Square Sports Complex.
Their spokesperson Mike Moloantoa said the band members realised after finishing school that they needed to keep themselves busy rather than expect jobs to fall into their laps. “We wanted to stay away from negative influences, especially the lethal nyaope drug which is destroying many youths because they have no plans, and are desperate for a way out of poverty,” he said.
Moloantoa added that with the little they had and the support from relatives and other well-wishers, they managed to get equipment to start the band. “We have big dreams which we will achieve step by step and through our commitment. “For now we play at funerals, tombstone unveilings, corporate functions, rallies, weddings, at festivals and also are contracted to play at Wits football club’s home matches,” he added.
Moloantoa’s colleague Kathego Nkabinde said the band had already compiled a 12-track recording which included songs such as Mavolovolo, Mberethe, Bahleke, Hlonolofatso, Thembelani and See you when you get there.
The band’s appealing brand of music is enticing to party lovers, dance enthusiasts, and those keen to watch youth expressing their talent freely and without inhibition. The group credits Ziqhubu for helping to promote their brand of brass music and are seeking other support to help them reach greater heights. “We will consider any partnership including dressing in corporate gear for as long as the partnership will be mutually beneficial,” said Moloantoa.
Details: Mike Moloantoa 084 736 7591
