Winston Sessions present Andile Yenana | Umngqungqo Wabantu

ABOUT

Andile Yenana is a jazz pianist born in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape. He went to St Francis College in Marianne Hill KZN and Zingisa Seminary in Umtata. His tertiary education commenced at Fort Hare University and the University of Natal from where he graduated in 1995 with Bachelors of Music (Jazz Studies).

Yenana boasts an impressive mix of collaboration with other well-known jazz musicians and bands including the late Zim Nngqawana and he featured on all his albums including his debut album, Zimology recorded in 1998. Same year Andile was part of Mahube, a groundbreaking musical project formed by fellow saxophonist Steve Dyer with top musicians like Feya Faku, Scorpion Madondo and Suthukazi Arosi among others. Following the success of Mahube, Andile teamed up with Voice, an all star quintet featuring Marcus Wyatt, Herbie Tsoaeli, Sydney Mnisi, Lulu Gontsana & Morabo Morajele. The group released two records, Quintet Legacy Volume 1 & 2 and Songs for Our Grandchildren.

Having proved his mantle with two hugely successful bands it was only in 2002 that Andile released his debut album, We Used To Dance. His second album solo album, Who’s Got The Map came out in 2005 and garnered five nominations for SAMA 2006. His other achievements include but not limited to SAMA 2004 Best Producer Award with Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi for Abantwana Be Afrika by Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi and in 2005 he was honoured as Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz.

Umngqungqo Wabantu is a fellowship that embeds manifolds of art as portals for presenting jazz musi. The multi-layered work extends its life through the storied sonic experiences at the Orbit in Johannesburg where Andile Yenana and his collective used to present musical offerings that captured the experience of Umngqungqo. Thus, Umngqungqo Wabantu is an explorative offering for projecting jazz in its fluid form.

Photography Exhibition - Siphiwe Mhlambi

Live Painting to Music - Nico Phooko

DIRECTIONS