Tete Mbambisa

ABOUT

The Band Includes :

Tete Mbambisa: Piano

Babes Ndamase: Drum kit

Alistair Gibbs: Bass

Esihle Valela : Tenor Sax

Tumi Pheko : Cornet 

Steven Sokuyeka; Trombone.

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.

Tete Mbambisa was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in music in 2023 by the University of Cape Town, for his enormous contribution to the South African jazz culture. 

He is also the 7th to be inducted into the Van Toeka Living Legend Programme that recognises prominent national artists by the South African National Department of Arts, Culture and Sport. He follows the likes of pianist Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim, actor Dr. John Kani and poet-laureate Jimmy Matthews.

His long recorded ( 1976 ) but recently released “ African Day” is taking South Africa by storm. He will be performing from an array of his most recent works at all the upcoming concerts of 2024.

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