Sagiya MCCD (Musical Collaboration in Cultural Diversity) 2022

Media Release
MCCD – Musical Collaboration in Cultural Diversity

Compiled by Sagiya Foundation
ATT: Media Houses
Info: Atlas Duma (sagiyafoundation@gmail.com)

Historical MCCD Fusion Concert for Heritage Month Celebrations, Featuring the best of Indo Afro Sounds, Bollywood, Jazz, Afro Soul, Visual Arts and food stalls

MCCD, the ground breaking Musical Collaboration in Cultural Diversity initiative spearheaded by arts visionary Atlas Duma, swings into action with a vibrant, cross-cultural line-up of artists who will share the stage of the Liberty Hall in Durban, in celebration of the SA Heritage month.

MCCD 2022 is proudly sponsored by MGE (Mzansi Golden Economy) the agency of The South African National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. Mr. Duma sees a need to contribute towards the eradication of tension and political differences that exist among the South African Communities. “Music and culture have long been a strong tool with tangible results in bringing about social cohesion,” says Duma. “MCCD has a powerful combination of artists who are eager to spread messages of togetherness in celebration of South African cultural diversity that entails from different races that inhabitant.” It is Sagiya Foundation’s special celebration of the SA heritage month together with our special diverse communities and business partners.

A note from The Executive Director of Futureview, Sanjay Bikramchund, which is one of Sagiya Foundation Strategic business advisers reads: “The original vision and concept of MCCD in 2017 project, held at The BAT Centre, Durban was to build bridges between South African Indians, and indigenous Africans in South Africa through music. Rationale is that South Africa, can be a truly global player if the project of Rainbow Nation and reconciliation can be achieved. In addition, music is a powerful medium, and Indians and Africans had never collaborated in music over the last 160 years. Now with the SA National Departments of Sports, Arts and Culture entered in partnership with Sagiya Foundation, MCCD becomes officially, recognized as the first collaboration between Indian and African Musicians, including other cultures.

The original vision is now a reality, and in the interim, period between 2017 and current, many other initiatives of the similar nature have taken place, however, the project of reconciliation is larger than music. It is about nations coming together to support economic, social and political initiatives. MCCD intends building on the above to ensure closer relations between all South Africans and people of the world. Global Companies and Nations will only achieve best performance if they take the project of reconciliation seriously within their institutions and Businesses which invest in South Africa.

The vision on which the original concept was based has a massive, mission, strategy, institutional and organizational development model as its theoretical base. Sagiya Foundation is open to taking this discussion further along with any organization, governmental or private sector that has interest. For now, MCCD is formally a Sagiya Foundation, South African National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Indian Consulate project. We intend making it part of the fabric of South Africa. Sagiya Foundation welcomes the SA-DSAC, Indian Consulate, the Indian Government, Indian people and all racial groups to partner with us on this project”.

MCCD 2022 profiles and features the Durban Indo Sounds Artists under the baton of Rajive Mohan, such as Kerolin Govender and Virendra Mohan the vocalists, Shanjeet Teeluck on Sitar, Vishen Kemraj on Tablas, and Vitesh on Drums. The MCCD Afrocentric musos include MCCD residential band that is painting bright colours of collaboration under the baton of Vincent Mtetwa as the musical director. The Afrocentric act features Xolisa Dlamini, Royalson, Nicky Shange and Mthobisi Mthalane. MCCD 2022 is blessed with the legendary SAMA Awards winner Shashika Mooruth. Sanjay Bikramchund is showcasing his long overdue EP. Prof Anthony Rippon, in the song is conveying beautiful messages of national building and sustainable living. His messages are inspired by Dim-Dep Musical “Faces of Environmental Success” theatre production by Mr Atlas Duma.

MCCD 2022 features a special act, a CD Launch by Royalson, signed under Sagiya Records, an independent record label by Sagiya Foundation. The concept narrates a story of music and cultural evolutions from Blues, to Jazz, Bebop, Cool Jazz, Contemporary Jazz to Pop and then move to Indo traditional musical fusion of Afro Contemporary jazz traditions. The presentation is narrated by well experienced program directors that bring about tremendous entertainment, historical messages of hope, peace and reconciliation among racial groups.

Sagiya MCCD Presentation:
Sagiya Foundation in partnership with South African National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture DSAC presents Sagiya MCCD (Musical Collaboration in Cultural Diversity).

Venue: Liberty Hall – Red Hill, (1356 North Coast Road, Durban)
Date: 30 September 2022
Arrivals: 15:00 – 18:00
Cocktail Set up, Red Carpet, Meet & Greet, Mingle, Exhibition Stalls,
Main Concert: 18:00 – 21:00

Tickets:
General: R100
Pensioners & Students: R60
Tickets available in www.webtickets.co.za and at Pick n Pay

Contact Details: Atlas Duma,
Calls/Whatsapp: 081 373 8185,
Email: atlasduma06@gmail.com
Like Facebook page @Sagiya Foundation.
Instagram: sagiyafoundation
www.sagiyafoundation.co.za

 

MCCD Musician’s Bio:

Music Director: Vincent Mtetwa

Currently promoting his debut album “Judgement Day” that he released under Sagiya Records independent label. He obtained his BPrac Mus (in Jazz and Popular Music) from UKZN in 2011 and also has a Diploma in Light Music with the Natal Technikon, now known as the Durban University of Technology, 2001). His career as a Lecturer at the UKZN has exposed him to many great Musicians and allowed him to groom others in the process. He works with community projects and has been a part of the Bat Centre in Durban, Msunduzi Music School in Pietermaritzburg and with the UKZN Music School as a Jazz and Popular Music Lecturer. He has received many Awards in his career e.g., Best Contemporary Musician, Old Mutual Jazz Encounters, Ear Training Merit Award, Performance in Jazz & Popular Music (4th Year), Harmony, Counterpoint, Instrument [Piano] He produced an album with the Durban Jazz-Legends (Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble). In 2014 he worked with the COPA Academy (Kensington, Johannesburg) as a Music Lecturer. Copa Academy has branches in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria. In October 9-11, 2014 he performed with Madala Kunene, as resident band-keyboard-player, at the Carnegie Hall, New York City, in the UBUNTU festival together with Hugh Masekela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo [20 years of SA democracy celebration]. His performance experience has opened doors in other various fields of musical genres such as contemporary music, where he did a series of different tribute shows at THE DOCKYARD SUPPER THEATRE. This happened in 2003-2010 and the shows were as follows: BEE GEES, CARLOS SANTANA, PAUL Mc CARTNEY, THE EAGLES, ELTON JOHN, THE BEATLES, TOTO, ABBA etc. He later joined The Pumpkin Theatre from the period 2010 – 2011.
He has also toured Swaziland with Mr. Madala Kunene, the late Mr. Mandla Masuku and has also performed in China through Arts and Culture KZN (Feb 2007-Chinese New Year 2

 

Assistant Musical Director: Rajive Mohan

Rajive Mohan, a leading South African music composer of international standards, started playing music at a very early age with his father’s band, Regal Entertainers. He learnt to play the keyboard from his father, Mr. Mohan and later went on to study a little western classical piano at the University of Durban, Westville, while completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology and Bio-chemistry. He has studied Indian Classical Music and often accompanies renowned South African singers and musicians. He has also backed international artists, the likes of Kumar Sanu, Anup Jalota, Debashish Das Gupta among others. His talents are often sought by overseas artists that visit the South African shores. His passion for music has led to his numerous visits overseas including Mumbai. The latest that technology has to offer is quite obvious in his musical and technical productions from his studio. He has collaborated with some of the most prominent musicians in the Indo industry. He has also done music scores for many films including the critically acclaimed Bhai’s Café. He is the owner and sound engineer of a hi-tech studio called House of Audio which was established in 1998. Rajive’s music can often be heard on the airwaves where he has provided a backing for many of South Africa’s top vocalists.

 

MCCD Indo Music Acts

Shashika Mooruth: Vocalist

SHASHIKA MOORUTH CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN MUSIC THIS YEAR 2022
She began music untrained in 1972 at the age of only 8, when South Africa had no infrastructure for Indian music and went on to receive one of the two highest awards viz International Achievement in Music from South African President Honorable Mr Cyril Ramaphosa at the South African Music Awards in 2018 SAMA24 organized by the Recording Industry of South Africa RISA. Mr Nhlanhla Sibisi the chief executive officer of the recording industry of South Africa commented that South African Indian music is in good stead with talents of her magnitude. Mr Mochware of department of culture arts and traditional affairs in South Africa said that she has earned her stripe in the entertainment industry with her enormous influence not only to her peers but also to the broader community as well, that she represents the true spirit of former president Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu and is an inspiration to the youth.
She had an interest from childhood to spread a message of peace through her music. By the age of fourteen, she had sung to some of the largest audiences in South Africa raising funds for old age homes, orphanages, charitable trusts, missionaries, spiritual organizations and various fundraising initiatives. Her intense thirst for music, she left South Africa in 1987 at the age of 23 to pursue training in Indian classical music in Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Sangeet, Mumbai. She holds a certificate in sitar and vocal having completed five years of the training course. She also completed her BSc degree from University of South Africa. In 2003, with the desire to produce original music, she launched her own music label Urja Music. Her music has received awards in US, reached US Billboard chart and iTunes chart. From 2004 to 2012 she travelled to some 25 countries sharing her music. Today she is not just a singer and music producer but a creative director of events, motivational speaker and music therapist.

 

Sanjay Bikramchund: Vocalist

Stage name: Sanjay B
Music Style English in Bolly-Afro Fusion
Musical Influences: The music of India and Africa. My role models include Mohammed Rafi and Arijit Singh, Steve Kekhana and Michael Jackson. Singing Journey actually started late in life. I initially set out to record a few songs as a life bucket list item just before COVID. It has now become a larger project since my music has been played on the airwaves and has gained popular recognition.
MCCD was a vision and concept of mine to create reconciliation, initially between African and Indian Communities. I have been associated with Sagiya Foundation and Mr Atlas Duma for 19 years now and am glad Sagiya Foundation has taken MCCD to realize its potential to create reconciliation between broader culture groups through music in South Africa. I have also been associated with Mr. Rajive Mohan and am glad to have initialized the relationship between Mr. Rajive Mohan and Mr Duma for MCCD. MCCD is the realization of a personal dream for me and my late brother Rishi Bikramchund.

 

Kerolin Govender: Vocalist

Kerolin Govender is a classical Indian artist trained in South Africa and India, he is also an Architect by profession. He has had the opportunity to perform on various platforms both locally and abroad. His versatility and interest in multiple genres of art and culture has lead him to working with various artists from diverse communities, bridging the gap between people and place, allowing all people to listen and appreciate multi-cultural ethnic and traditional music. Kerolin, now, the creative director of Jivanmukta music, hopes to promote, share and explore the world of art, to create a platform for like-minded people to share in the experience of soulful music and art. He believes music has the potential to heal and bring people together and lives by his motto: “Rediscover the true-self and live with the yearning to discover”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUe_vxV0hg_WfLwE6zZx82Q

 

Vishen Kemraj: Tablas Player

Vishen Kamraj is one of the South African well renowned table players whom began his career at the age of 9 with much inspiration from his father, whom was a musician himself. As Vishen grew up, so did his love and passion for the instrument. His thirst to learn more eventually lead him to India where he studied at Bharatiya Vidya Bawan. Upon returning to South Africa, Vishen began teaching Indian Classical Music under the banner of TAAL School of Music.His talent enabled him to performa throught Africa, as well as other countries like Germany, Amerca, Mauritius, and many more. He has shared the stage with the likes of Jazz artists, Lu Dlamini, Madala Kunene, Mduduzi magwaza, to mention just a few. Though Tabla will always be his first love, Vishen is equally skilled at other percussion instruments as well, like the Bhangra Dhol, Dholak, Nagara and Harmonium. Vishen’s commitment to promoting and preserving Indian music was the driving force behind his music business, by selling music instruments and carrying out repairs to all types of instruments as affordable rate.

 

Vitesh Surujbally: Octapad Player

Vitesh began his musical journey at the age of 4. He had an enormous and growing passion for music and soon began studying the tabla under the late Basanth Ramachandra. He then quickly started learning other percussion instruments like the conga and dholak. Currently and primarily, He plays the drums and octapad. Self-motivated and with zeal, enthusiasm and passion – Vitesh has followed his ultimate dream as a leading percussionist earning recognition and accolades with his congenial performances throughout South Africa, providing back up music with musically orientated colleagues for both South African and International artistes. Due to his talent and the pursuance of love for his Music – He is a handpicked and discerning musician of note and takes his Music seriously and his hopes, dreams and aspiration is to perform with Indo Musicians. Though his ability spans many different avenues of music, his Forte is Indo. He plays music with bands like Indo showband, Geethmilan, Dilaksh showband, Tansen Nepaul and was fortunate enough to be handpicked as a drummer in Sri Karthigasen Pillay band on musicians, and continues to pursue his dreams in the ever-evolving field of music.

 

Virendra Mohan: Vocalist

Started his singing career at the age of 10 with the Regal Entertainers. Was initially trained by his parents Mohan and Shantie Jagunandan. Also went on to study Indian classical music formally. Performs a wide genre of music and likes fusing different styles of music to foster unity in diversity in South Africa. Performs nationally for numerous occasions and concerts. Hopes to create a unique sound with indigenous musicians to bring people together with music.

 

Shanjeet Teeluck: Sitar Player

Born and studied music in Mauritius but moved to South Africa to promote what he loves most – Indian classical music. He established NAWRAS SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DANCE. Teaches sitar, tabla, guitar, harmonium and vocal. Shanjeet has performed nationally and internationally. His performances include sitar recitals, bhajans, Indo songs and of course, his favourite, ghazals.

 

MCCD Afro, Contemporary Jazz and Various Music Styles:

Xolisa Dlamini: Vocalist

Her inspiration has come from Busi Mhlongo, Dianne Reeves, Bheki Mseleku, Chaka Khan, Feya Faku, Demi Fernandez, Susan Barry, Miles Davies, Chick Corea, Fela Kuti, Richard bona, Sbongile Khumalo, Miriam Makeba, Lokua Kanza and many more. Xolisa, along with her co-composer, collectively won the Radio Metro Song Competition in 1997. She then went on to represent South Africa in Norway’s biggest festival of traditional music in 1998. Winner of the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters National Jazz Competition in the vocal category in October 2000, Recorded with Slaelo Selota in 2001, and later with the Tehilla Praise Family in 2002; SAMA Award nominee for her first album Times: Best Female Composer and Best Contemporary Album; Metro Awards Nominee for her second album Afro Blue: Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Xolisa has also recorded and performed with Busi Mhlongo, Sergio Diaz from Brazil. Elie Kihonia from the Republic of Congo as a backing vocalist and Hanse Genzo from Australia. She has performed alongside Sbongile Khumalo, Themba Mkhize, Sello Galane, Judith Sephuma and Ringo Madlingosi, she has also performed at Windbrow for Africa day and in State theatre for Death of the Rain Queen Mojadji.

 

Nicky Shange: Vocalist

Currently promoting her debut EP with five hit songs, titled Sizani, Living My Life, Izindaba, Bayalila and Dream On. She Recorded her debut live in concert video in Sagiya Celebrates KZN Jazz Legends 2021. In 2016, Nicky was the lead singer in a project called Forest Jam Orchestra. The project consisted of musicians from Switzerland, Mozambique and South Africa. The group performed live at Kaya FM and toured South Africa and neighbouring countries. Recently, she performed songs by her late mentor Busi Mhlongo in a live broadcast at Ukhozi FM which honoured fallen South African music icons. One of her immediate goals includes recording a live album, which her fans will get to know her as a solo artist. Performing live is one of the things that give her the greatest satisfaction as an artist.

 

Royalson: Vocalist

Promoting his EP released in early 2022 and will be Launching his 2nd Album with MCCD 2022. He is a 2022 SATMA Awards nominee on The Best Afro Soul Song Category. He recorded his debut Royalson Live in Concert Video during Sagiya Virtual Jazz Concert at The Playhouse Opera Theatre and the 2nd one with Sagiya Celebrates KZN Jazz Legends 2021 at Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre. In 2019/2020. He acquired Certificates of Music Tuition Programme from BAT Centre and KUMISA. He was a Nominee for “Live Your Dream Awards” (LYD AWARDS 2018). His recordings include the singles: “Ugcabhayiyane”, “KWIHI” Ft DJ Gabriel Youngstar, “Uzongithola” with Umkhumabne Jazz Ensemble. His music is streaming in Radio Stations, such as SA FM, Ukhozi FM, Vuma FM, Gagasi FM, and all KZN Community Radio Stations. He perms in various music festivals, such as Durban Jazz Festival with his Band, Ugu Jazz Festivals with UJE, Horn Hang up Concerts with UJE in Playhouse Drama Theatre, BAT Centre, to mention but a few. His single “Undabazabantu is enjoying airplay in National TV channels, such as Mzansi Magic Music, Channel O, Mtv Base and Sagiya Foundation YouTube Channel.

 

Prof Rippon: Vocal and Acoustic Guitar

Currently promoting his Debut EP, featuring the hits “Too Blind to See”, “Run Dawn” and “World of Illusion” His EP was recorded live in Sagiya Virtual Jazz Concert at The Playhouse Company Opera Theatre. His EP is available in all Digital Stores and his video Live in Concert is available on YouTube. His hit “Too Blind to See” is featured as the one of the Theme Songs in Dim-Dep Musical “Faces of Environmental Success” theatre production. His qualifications include a D. Com (Strategic Management) focusing on a strategic approach for facilitating community development in South Africa, M. Com (Strategic Management) specialising in the non-profit sector, B. Com Hons. (Marketing Management) and B. Com (Industrial Psychology). He studied mostly part-time, whilst working in a variety of industries in the small, medium and corporate environments and completed most of his studies at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) between the years 1987 and 2005 and has published a number of articles in various journals. Finally, he enjoys playing guitar and singing, as well as, being part of an environmental theatre production, from time to time, titled: Dim-Dep “Faces of Environmental Success”, Developed and produced by Mr. Atlas Philani Duma, founder of Sagiya Foundation (refer to www.sagiyafoundation.co.za). Furthermore, he was awarded for his contributions made in the South African arts and culture industry in 2016 by the UKZNs Centre for Jazz and Popular Music in collaboration with Sagiya Foundation. Together with Atlas, they have a common vision, mission, with objectives to develop strategies that educate through entertainment (‘edutainment’), which focuses on the highlighting of environmental issues of concern in communities. These to motivate, and uplift citizens to clean-up and care for their Communities, City and, Country.

 

Mthobisi Mthalane: Pianist

Mthobisi Mthalane has a diploma in Jazz and popular music that he obtained from University of KwaZulu Natal in 2007 and Post Graduate Certificate in Education that he obtained from University of South Africa in 2018, He is a professional pianist, composer, song arranger, voice training and producer. He was a music facilitator in Eshowe Music Training Workshop in 7 -11 June 2021. He has worked with many highly profiled Artists, likes of Dorothy Masuku, Camagwini, Ntando, Zulu Boy, Rebecca Maloepe, HlengiweMhlaba, Benjamin Dube, JubJub and Jazel brothers etc. Currently (in 2013) he is working with an Icon Madala Kunene, Maisha (multi racial Rock Band) and he is a pianist in VusiMkhize Band. He is a music director of the theatre production called ‘Long Journey’ that received a stand-up ovation on its opening night at The Playhouse Company (Durban) on the 17^th to 22^nd of April 2012. Recorded with Sagiya Virtual Jazz in Concert 2020 and released his EP (Digital Music Stores). Music videos available on Sagiya YouTube Channel.  Beside recording his dynamic Debut album ‘Africa My Beginning’ He was involved in debut album recording in KZN Music House Studio with his mentor, a wonderful Guitarist by the name of Nhlanhla Mnikathi who won the shell Road to Fame in 1997 and the Old Mutual Jazz Encounter in 2005. In 2010 he recorded ‘Amaqhawe’ with Amantombazane Asogwini produced by Atlas Philani Duma.  Mthobisi Mthalane teaches music in arts centres such as Bat Centre in Durban and at the Msunduzi School of Music in Pietermaritzburg. For the Department of Education, he is teaching music at Glenmore Primary School from October 2012, Yellowood Park primary school 2013, and Ashley Primary school from 2015 and now.

 

 

 

Lwazi “Tune” Mlotshwa: Bass Guitarist

Swazi did his primary education in Hammersdale and it is during these days that he discovered his singing talent.  His love for music began then and he participated in the school choir as fellas community music programmes. After highs cool Swazi went to live with his uncle in Johannesburg who was an accomplished bassist. Lwazi was motivated by his uncle and taught himself how to play the bass guitar. Lwazi studied music at the BAT Centre in  Durban, with the bass guitar as his major in the BAT Centre’s AIR Programme. Lwazi has been influenced by the likes of the late Mandla Zikalala, Thembinkosi “Banda Banda” Banda, Senso Mdamba, Vusi Mkhize, Xolisa Dlamini, Philani Ngidi, Royalson, Sbu Noah and many others. Lwazi has performed in major venues and festivals in and around Durban including: The Durban Jazz Festival, Beach Festival at the Bay of Plenty and others to mention a few.

 

Sbahle Mthembu: Drummer

Sbahle grew up as a dancer, but became a drummer in the 7^th grade and dropped dancing at the age of 13 and focused more on music. He has played for Themba Mokoena, Nomalanga Hlubi, Bernad The legend, Sbo M live, Siphokazi poka Hlubi, Tyson Shezi, Zolani G and many other artists. After some time he engaged himself in a music gospel group in high school and started playing for gospel artists outside his school and got involved in music events such as Pietermaritzburg pre-Easter celebration, gospel picnic, and gospel festivals playing for artists such as Ayanda Ntanzi, Nkanyiso miya, Sbu Noah, Jabu Hlongwane, Ntokozo Mbambo, Nkonzo Khanyile and many other gospel artists. In the year 2019 he did his first live recording playing for Themba ntuli at Winston Church Hill Theatre. Lwazi then when on to record his first album in studio titled “Sekuyakhanya” by Nondumiso Radebe under Pinnecle records and grace gates productions, which was released in the year 2021.

Traditional Group:

Kholwa Brothers: Isicathamiya Group
Based in INK (Inanda Ntuzuma KwaMashu)
World Champions of Acapella Music 2022.
Under the leadership of the legendary Isicathamiya Icon Mr. Derrick Mlambo.

The end.