Mandla Mlangeni is a multi-talented artist who has captivated audiences with his mastery of the trumpet and his diverse skills as a composer, bandleader, arranger, and teacher. With an impressive repertoire that spans various genres of music, Mlangeni has fully immersed himself in composing and performing for numerous projects both in South Africa and abroad.
One of his notable achievements was the 2016 production of “Oratorio For A Forgotten Youth” at the prestigious Artscape Opera House, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Collaborations are at the heart of Mlangeni’s artistic journey, and he has been involved with remarkable ensembles like The Mill SA/CH, Behind The Curtain, and BirdSong Ensemble, a collective effort by South African and German musicians dedicated to producing independent contemporary music.
Join Sinenhlanhla and Gomolemo as they delve into the depths of his artistic journey, exploring the inspirations, experiences, and impact of his musical contributions on the world stage.
To someone who doesn’t know Mandla Mlangeni, would you please give us a brief introduction to who you are and where you are from?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I am a trumpeter, composer and bandleader of both the Amandla Freedom Ensemble and The Tune Recreation Committee. I was born and raised in Soweto, Johannesburg, and studied Jazz Composition and Arrangement at the South African College of Music (UCT) in Cape Town.
The understanding of history plays a huge role in your music.
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: History informs the present, I take it upon myself to understand what informs the current trajectory we currently find ourselves in.
What was it like growing up and how did your background contribute to your musical journey?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I came into this world at a chaotic time in South African history. Born in 1986 during the State of Emergency, my father was detained without trial in prison for his fight against the unjust laws of the apartheid regime. He was a political activist and lawyer investigating the atrocities of the state-sanctioned hit squads on activists. I spent my early childhood hunched on his back attending political rallies and hearing the chants that called for freedom and the release of political prisoners such as the Sisulus and Mandela
You speak a lot about your parents and their influence in your music especially on Amandla Freedom Ensemble’s debut album. Bhekisizwe was a tribute to your father. Tell us more about the influence and how it has shaped your music?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: My father was a passionate and very resolute man who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the attainment of the freedom we enjoy today. As a father he wanted to see me enjoy the dignity that he himself could not enjoy. He did not want his people relegated as second-class citizens in the country of their birth. He understood the value of the struggle and what it meant for future generations. His love of life and passion have rubbed off on me in more ways than I can count. Bhekisizwe which is loosely translated means look at the nation/ take care of the nation. I dedicated that song in honour of his memory and how he fought for the dignity and humanity of his people.
Your music is mostly influenced by what is happening in South Africa? Why do you think it’s important for artists to create music that speaks to the nuisances of their country?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: The music I create reflects my personal story in relation to what I have experienced growing up in South Africa. The many musical influences I have had over the years and seeing hope people in other parts of the world live. More than anything the music I create embodies the songs and sounds that live in my head and given life through the interactions with many other people, musicians and artists that I have lived and encountered over the years.
What is your POWER in storytelling through your music?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I would like to think my stories are deeply personal yet relatable. It encompasses the full range of my emotional being. It speaks to the anguish and hope that resides deep inside me. Every day I try to bring out a musical story that speaks to where I would like to see myself.
You are an artist who seems comfortable playing in a wide range of styles, from classical to jazz to indigenous African music. How would you define your sound?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I would like to describe myself as broody, melancholic and adventurous. I am always trying to be a better musician and artist by always surrounding myself with people who are always better than me and never ceases to try out ways to create.
You enjoy discovering fresh musical expressions. What benefits do you think your adaptability brings and why is agility important?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I enjoy working with different people and through that, I am exposed to new ways of doing and hearing music. I take it upon myself to experience and indulge in the assortment of musical offerings that are on hand at the current time. I do not close myself to the possibility of being surprised even though I might not enjoy it initially. Especially when it comes to new music or environments that I have not been exposed to.
Let’s chat about your latest album titled – Oratorio of a Forgotten Youth. How is the album doing and how are music lovers receiving it?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I have just released the Oratorio of A Forgotten Youth and am currently sharing it on all available digital platforms. Only time will tell how it is received as a stage production. It has been well received and has enjoyed a five-year run at major spaces in South Africa such as the Artscape Opera, Market Theatre and now the Wits Great Hall. My hope is to see it being performed internationally at major venues across the world.
Tell us more about the process of creating your latest album- who did you work with?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: The process has been long but it has bore fruit. The current iteration includes the talent of The Brother Moves On, Vivacious Sounds Choir, Resonance String Quartet, students from the Wits School of Music, libretto and poetry by the acclaimed Lesego Rampolokeng and artwork by sandartist Tawanda Mu Afrika.
What influenced the multidisciplinary collaboration?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I honed my craft touring with the much acclaimed Cape Town Opera and travelled extensively with them in their production of George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. Being part of such a seminal work and seeing it being brought to life was a huge inspiration for me. I wanted to work towards seeing my own work taking a life that would involve all the intricacies that defined such a groundbreaking production.
This album has a strong message that links back to the 1976 student protests and the #FeesMustFall movement, why did you feel the need to make an artistic contribution to these significant moments in history?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: History does not only repeat itself, it rhymes. We are doomed to make the same mistakes if we do not take heed of what has happened before! In many ways, the Oratorio is a commentary of where we find ourselves today and how the current dispensation has not lived up to their end of the bargain.
You are being recognised which indicates growth and that shows you are doing something right. What words of encouragement would you give upcoming Jazz musicians who feel they are not being recognised because they think they have a niche sound or market?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: My advice to young artists and musicians is to surround themselves with people who will not only guide them but encourage them to do better and be better. It is very important to find mentors and continually find ways of upskilling their craft in whatever way they can. Another word of advice is that if you want to be in the scene you have to be seen! Go out there, show your talent and support other talents by attending other people’s shows so that you are not far away from their mind’s eye.
Will you have a tour or any upcoming events? Please let the readers know?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: The Oratorio of A Forgotten Youth will be showing on the 27th of May at the Wits Great Hall at 19:00 tickets are R150 and can be purchased at Quicket. The Amandla Freedom Ensemble will feature The Brother Moves On, Vivacious Sounds Choir, Resonance String Quartet, students from the Wits School of Music, libretto and poetry by the acclaimed Lesego Rampolokeng and artwork by sandartist Tawanda Mu Afrika.
Any platforms relating to your work that readers can be aware of and follow?
[MANDLA MLANGENI]: I am currently on Facebook as Mandla Mlangeni and on Instagram as @mandlaismlangeni. Should people want to get their hands on the Oratorio of A Forgotten Youth they can download or stream it on all major music platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Youtube and the likes
Featured Image Source(s): Supplied
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