Untitled Basement presents Mandisi Dyantyis live
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Mandisi at the 65th Berlinale International
Film Festival on February 7, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Feb. 6, 2015 - Source: Getty Images Europe via Zimbio) |
I cannot wait for the 11th of March to
watch Mandisi do his thing at the Untitled Basement in Braamfontein,
Johannesburg. Knowing him from back in the days when we sang together, what I
know for sure is that he’s going to leave us yearning for more.
A perfectionist from when he was in his teens, I’ve
always viewed him as quite a G when it came to melodies. Now that he has
blossomed into an award-winning artist, it’s hard to describe my enthusiasm
over his success. Even though I had expected this a long time ago from Mandisi,
I guess everything is “in God’s time”, right!?! And for those that may not know
who this gentleman is; please allow me to introduce to you…. MANDISI DYANTYIS.
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| Image sourced via Creative Feel |
Mandisi is a South African trumpeter and vocalist
who has recently released his debut album entitled Somandla, nominated for the
SAMA award for best Jazz Album of 2019. He was recently nominated for a the
Mzantsi Jazz Awards and The Afrima [African Music Awards in the "Best Jazz
Artist" category. I thought I was going to see him at these awards ☹
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Mandisi began
playing the trumpet at the age of 8. He studied Classical music throughout his
schooling career (Pearson High School) and emerged from the University of Cape
Town with a BMus Honors Degree in Jazz Studies in 2005 where he played in the
UCT Big Band for most of his studies. He is a versatile musician who composes,
arranges and produces Jazz, Western Classical and African Indigenous Music.
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| Image cred: Lindo Mbhele |
He has played with some of SA’s best musicians over
the years, including Jimmy Dludlu, The Abdullah Ibrahim Big Band, Robbie
Jansen, Max Vidima, Moreira Chonguica just to name a few.
Mandisi's debut album, titled SOMANDLA (SAMA 2019
Best Jazz Album Winner), is a body of work premised on the sacred act of
prayer, peppered with issues of current societal interest and most noteworthy,
the “old school” romantic sentiment delivered in the persuasive elegance of his
mother tongue, isiXhosa. This debut offering is a befitting exhibition of
Dyantyis’ versatility as a prolific songwriter/composer, trumpeter, and
outstanding vocal artist.
Mandisi is known to delivery unforgettable
performances and this night (Wednesday, 11 March) will be no different. Show
starts at 8pm and ends at 11:30pm (CAT).
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| Image cred: Lindo Mbhele |
Tickets are unreserved and available from R200 for
the General Advance. Check out Quicket to get your NOW otherwise tickets at the
door are not guaranteed. If they are available on the night, they will sell at
R260pp.
