Likewise, the Untitled Basement in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, is poised to deliver an enjoyable evening featuring the acclaimed afro-jazz band Kujenga, hailing from Cape Town, who will take the stage on 30 August.
Kujenga is an improvisational band of Black musicians in Cape Town. ‘kujenga’ is derived from the Swahili language, meaning “to build.” This name reflects the band’s commitment to their vocation as artists, aiming to construct and foster meaningful connections with each listener through their musical expression.
Kujenga continues the esteemed tradition of Black band music in South Africa, embodying both the current and future essence of this significant genre. The band made their debut with the album Nationality in 2019, followed by their second release, In The Wake, in March 2024. Among their notable accomplishments are three nominations for the Mzansi Jazz Awards 2024, recognition in the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans 2024, and headlining prestigious events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Johannesburg Jazz In The Lights.
The essence of Kujenga is found in their talent for spontaneous creation. This skill is fundamental to their artistic approach and serves as the cornerstone of their creative endeavors. Every aspect of Kujenga revolves around individuals, as they continually seek to forge meaningful connections with the audience for whom they produce music.
Watch on YouTube through Kujenga’s official YouTube Platform.
https://youtu.be/m5wcGVUfP6Y?si=S9dtMTZC2hg3bU_W: The Anticipation Builds: KUJENGA at The Basement“ I’ve been thinking about this term, ‘people music’ or ‘making music for people’. I believe that’s what we make, we make ‘people music’. And, you know ‘people music’ can only happen when you are connected to people. We’re not algorithms. We do not make songs that sound good for playlists or whatever sort of content-producing machine. We make music that’s connected to something in our lives; our personal lives.” the Untitled Basement.
At present, the horn section is comprised of Tamzyn Freeks playing the trombone, Bonga Mosola on the trumpet, and Matthew Rightford performing on the saxophone. The ensemble is further enhanced by Owethu Ndwandwe on keyboards, Thane Smith on guitar, and Zwide Ndwandwe on bass.