Matunda Ya Kwanza, Vol.1, by Nduduzo Makhathini

Matunda Ya Kwanza, Vol.1

by Nduduzo Makhathini

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Full Digital Discography

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Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Abasemkhathini Vol - I, Reflections, Inner Dimensions, Icilongo: The African Peace Suite, Matunda Ya Kwanza, Vol.1, Listening to the Ground, Sketches of Tomorrow, and Mother Tongue. , and , .

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1.	Ancient Dance 06:16	buy track
2.	Ehlobo 04:42	buy track
3.	Imagine 05:11	buy track
4.	Lakutshon'ilanga 04:41	buy track
5.	Nomkhubulwane 03:08	buy track
6.	Okhalweni 05:02	buy track
7.	Tyner's Visit 06:35	buy track

about

MATUNDA YA KWANZA – FIRST FRUITS (November 2015)

Nduduzo Makhathini’s 4th album is gift in that it reminds us that through all our travels, hard work, successes and even challenges, that before we wrap up the year, it is important for us to pause to give thanks to our ancestors. This is symbolised in many African communities by giving the first harvest, the first fruits – Matunda ya Kwanza to our spiritual fathers and mothers to say thank you for seeing us through the year.

However Nduduzo’s thank you goes beyond beautiful melodies and rich harmonies to evoke the ancestors to come dance with him, and in turn with us too. What is most beautiful about this dance is it’s an Ancient Dance - the dance of our forefathers and mothers. The dance arena on Mother Earth is set with the solid, simple repetitive chord structure, an ostinato that lulls us gently from side to side in meditation with a slight hypnotic effect. Then in anticipation of a special arrival, are the beautiful lyrical descending passages marked by a subtle spiritual effect as it is not an ordinary dance. We get an opportunity dance with the ancestors and spirits in light jovial celebration. The melodies suggest a playful twirling and in one’s mind we see the spirits dance acknowledging this important recognition through Matunda ya Kwanza dedication, happy to be honoured in this way. You feel them in the descending light passages, and when they meet the ground they dance in unity with all elements, providing us with a beautiful alignment of spirituality and creativity. As the last song on the album Tyner’s Visit ends, you feel this is a homecoming after a long sojourn on earth and in the galaxies, a nod to say it is well.

Nduduzo himself through his many travels and international successes, reminds us through his music, his melodies and harmonies, that it is important to feel a sense of belonging, and have a place you can call home. That in all interactions, it is important to constantly remind oneself to celebrate what is unique in each of us. That as we tap into our spirituality and open our minds, hearts and souls, beautiful melodies and songs come through dreams, such precious gifts, and we share these beautiful gifts bestowed upon us through our compositions and choreographies.

You listen to Matunda ya Kwanza and indeed, through all the tracks feel this beautiful unity with amadlozi, it is that familiar and comforting spiritual pull that both anchors us on earth while moving us through pensive reflection and beautiful introspection. Then magically, one finds oneself in a celebratory dance and listening to Ancient Dance over again, just one more time.. closing one’s eyes this time, dreaming and channelling even deeper thoughts, knowing that we are blessed with this awesome spiritual alignment, which means that all is well in the universe, and the ancestors continue to celebrate with us through the Ancient Dance.

Dr. Patricia Achieng Opondo
University of KwaZulu-Natal
African Music and Dance Program

19th November, 2015

credits

released November 18, 2015

All songs composed by Nduduzo Makhathini
except track 3 composed by Mackay Davashe
arranged by Nduduzo Makhathini

Personnel:
Nduduzo Makhathini Piano
Magne Thormodsæter Double Bass
Claude Cozens Drums

Recorded by: Gavan Eckhart at M3 Studios
SABC on 1 November 2015
Produced by: Nduduzo Makhathini
Publisher: Gundu Entertainment

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about

Nduduzo Makhathini South Africa

Award-winning pianist, improvisor, healer and scholar from South Africa. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the Standard Bank Young Artist Award, multiple South African Music Award (SAMA) and AFRIMA among others that have made him an influential figure. Makhathini has 10 albums with his last album ‘In the Spirit of Ntu’ on Blue Note Records. Makhathini has an extensively touring schedule. ... more

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