Kujenga’s unique brand of instrumental, horn-driven live music has made them one of the most exciting acts in South Africa right now. Twin brothers Owethu Ndwandwe (keys) and Zwide Ndwandwe (bass), who along with guitarist Thane Smith have been with the band since its formation in 2017, bring a strong mix of African rhythms, jazz technicality, and sometimes just straight rocking riffs to their long and spacious compositions. With the driving drum sound of drummer Skhumbuzo Mhlauli and the uplifting horn lines delivered with power by Tamzyn Freeks (trombone), Bonga Mosola (trumpet), and Matthew Rightford (sax), Kujenga leave audiences breathless and inspired, and that’s exactly how we felt after recording this incredible performance.

Their first song, the album opener and fan favourite ‘Clarion Call’, begins with a slow build-up that sets the scene for the song's driving 6/4 groove, which in turn sets up a sonic canvas for a melodic conversation between Thane and Owethu. The band hardly makes eye contact during the performance, but you can feel a deep sense of connectedness throughout the performance - each person tightly focussed on their own musical expression, and yet all building something together.

Their second song, “A World Within, A World Without”, sets out to 'radically imagining a world within, so that we can live in a world without all the things that currently oppress us'. It is introduced by Zwide as a lamentation on the atrocities inflicted by state actors on communities around the world, including those faced by members of the South African activist organisation Abahlali Basemjondolo, and the people of Palestine. The bass-led track gives you space to breath - and to feel - the deep meaning, and the heavy weight, of the song’s subject matter. But it also allows time for brevity and hope, such as during the uplifting B-section, Bonga’s thoughtful trumpet solo, and Zwide’s meandering bass solo (which showcases his dynamic range and precise articulation on the fretboard).

For their last song, Kujenga brings on another local gem, Kozo Zwane, who recites a spoken word poem over the hype-building track "Inveterate" and provides a lyrical break during the chorus. The song’s final riff gives space for a fuzz-driven solo by Thane, and shows of Skhumbuzo’s ability to drive the bus from behind the kit. The song tops off a set that sets a high bar for live instrumental music in South Africa, and the world.

This band is going to go far.

SET LIST
0:00 Clarion Call
9:28 A World Within, A World Without
19:26 Inveterate (ft. Kozo Zwane)

PERFORMERS
Skhumbuzo Mhlauli - Drums
Zwide Ndwandwe - Bass
Owethu Ndwandwe - Drums
Thane Smith - Guitar
Tamzyn Freeks - Trombone
Matthew Rightford - Saxophone
Bonga Mosola - Trumpet

TECHNICAL CREW
Director / Editor - Benjy de Kock
Audio Engineer - Ben Jamieson
Camera Operators - Priya Patel, James Corder, Jonathan Hendricks, Benjy de Kock
BTS Videographer - Lili Bo Ming
Grade - Cian Small

LINKS
Find us on social media: www.linktr.ee/biglilconcepts

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