Tete Mbambisa Sextet

ABOUT

Born on January 12, 1942, in East London, Dr. Tete Mbambisa stands as a luminary figure in South African jazz. A self-taught virtuoso, his musical odyssey began in the vibrant milieu of the mid-1950s. Pioneering the formation of the Four Yanks and the Junior Four Yanks vocal groups, his creative spirit soared. Transitioning seamlessly to the piano, he made indelible marks with the Jazz Giants in 1961, immersing himself in the Cape Town jazz scene. Throughout the 1960s, his collaborations expanded, gracing stages alongside icons like the Ronnie Beer Quintet and Spirits Rejoice. A maestro in collaboration, he lent his talents to luminaries such as Winston Mankunku, Zim Ngqawana, and Herbie Tsoaeli. Amidst these harmonious partnerships, his solo career flourished, marked by albums like "Tete’s Big Sound" (1976), "Did You Tell Your Mother" (1979), "Black Heroes" (2012), and "One for Asa" (2017), each a testament to his enduring legacy in the jazz realm.