Makhanda’s beloved Community Choir returns to the Fringe with some eclectic choral works from across the globe. Kwantu will present a diverse programme of music from traditional local songs to exciting arrangements by some of South Africa’s favourite hits. With everything from Western sacred works to some chilling local compositions, there is something for everyone here.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Director: Kutlwano Kepadisa
Cast:
Sopranos
Mihlali Ngeju; Ziyanda Helesi; Othandwayo Bill; Mbalentle Siphesihle Mihlali Mpotulo; Lisolethu Nkwinti; Nokuthula Ndlovu; Aphiwe Nyengeni
Altos
Zukhanye Nyeka; Hlomlokuhle Mvubu; Akhanani Dial; Ziyabukwa Mgingqi; Siyamthanda Madyo; Matema Manaka
Tenors
Liyema Calypso Gacula; Siyazamkela Nyeka; Qhama Mafuya; Loyiso Nyoka; Loyiso Mconi; Sihle Mngomezulu
Basses
Katlego Bongani Magabane; Thabo Mdoko; Yanga Mzizi; Mbasa Mconi; Junaid Douglas; Banathi Mata
Composers/Arrangers:
Jacob Naverud, Master Kay-G and Nomcebo; Paul Christiansen; Buhlebendalo Mda; Jake Runestad; Lebo M; Mcihael Barrett, Ralf Schmidt; Engelheart Unaeb; Viktor Kalinnikov; Greg Jasperse; Brenda Fassie, Garreth Walwyn; Mbongeni Ngema; Ami Faku, Sun-El Musician; Kutlwano Kepadisa; Sabelo Mthembu; Thabo Matshego
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Kwantu Choir
Makhanda KWANTU Choir is a community choir of diverse singers from Makhanda. It prides itself on being a choral ambassador for the town. It has represented the town at National and International Festivals such as the Choral Celebration Festival, National Arts Festival, and World Choir Games. Currently, it is under the direction of Kutlwano Kepadisa.
The choir is the training choir of the Annual Creative City event, Masicule – Celebrating the voices of Makhanda. The choir also serves as a ceremonial choir for many official events and local, provincial, and national events around Makhanda. Kwantu Choir has performed in the National Arts Festival since its inception in 2018. They have released a digital album, a documentary and a music docu-series over the past three years. The Choir has won awards at both the National Arts Festival and World Choir Games and regularly performs within and outside the Eastern Cape. Kwantu has performed for the likes of President Ramaphosa, and JM Coetzee and has collaborated with well-known South African Artists such as Dumza Maswana, Zahara, Msaki, Asakhe Cunstulana, Sibongile Mngoma, Sibongile Khumalo, Vusi Mahlasela and Nomfudo Xaluva.
Kutlwano Kepadisa
Kutlwano Kepadisa is a choirmaster, arranger and multidisciplinary producer from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. Born in Soshanguve, Pretoria, Kutlwano arrived in Makhanda after matriculating in Johannesburg.
Kutlwano is the Director of Music at the Anglican Cathedral of St Michael and St George and leads the Makana Choir School Programme. He is also the director of the Rhodes University Chamber Choir and the Chamber of the Diocesan School for Girls and St Andrew’s College. He is the founder and Artistic Director of Kwantu Designs, which manages KWANTU Choir, a community choir in Makhanda, and is the Musical Director of the National Arts Festival community choral spectacle, Masicule.
Under his direction, Kutlwano’s choirs have achieved several awards and recognition, including a Silver Diploma at the World Choir Games and the Standard Bank Ovation Awards. He has worked with many of South Africa’s most talented artists, including Vusi Mahlasesla, Sibongile Kumalo, Nomfundo Xaluva and Zahara.Kutlwano is also a recent graduate of the inaugural Business and Arts South Africa Cultural Producers Programme.
