That’s the question Mbuso Khoza, the award winning vocalist and songwriter should unequivocally respond to, and he did so unashamedly…
But me thinks another way to respond is through a performance he will be dishing out during a live performances at the Market Theatre from November 23 to 25 2018.
The Eshowe born (KwaZulu-Natal) Mbuso has been making strides (quietly so-depending which side of the fence is one seated) having recently performed at the annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.
His vocal skills continue to thrill audiences far and wide, having showcased in countries such as Senegal, Burkina Faso, Portugal, Switzerland, France and Netherlands to mention a few.
Under his belt or that river flowing tummy of his (yes pun intended), has produced the likes of Eshowe, Yoliswa, Ibusise and others.
Posed to him on the issue of musical qualifications, he summed it succinctly: “I have learned through the ear and also through my upbringing. The way we compose as a community could stem from the account of actual events.
So my approach is more a conversation rather than a technical endeavour of saying, “the harmony should be here and these are the chord changes that work with this melody.” For me, not going to school is a bonus because with university alumni, you can hear how they sound and that it’s due to their training, but what is often missing is an African school of thought”.
A fitting response from a man who has rubbed shoulders with the likes Salif Keita, Richard Bona. Does education matter in this instance, you be the hanging judge?
A winner of Best Jazz album in 2013, Mbuso will also release his latest offering, accompanied by a live band with the special guest artist, Zawadi Yamungu in tow.
Mbuso adds a special flavor to Carlo Mombelli Quartet. A recent collaboration with Dutch award winning pianist Mike Del Ferro is receiving huge accolades in Europe currently.
The full-bearded Mbuso currently lives in Durban where he is working on finalizing a project that was commissioned by the Zulu King and also works within his community.
For his first show at the Market Theatre, come see him serenade you from Nov 23 to 25.
Tickets available from R150 booked via Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay stores.
Groups of 4 and more people can purchase discounted tickets at R120 per ticket.
Contact Anthony Ezeoke ext 011 832 1641 ext 203 or 083 246 4950 to make group bookings.
