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Ntombe Thongo is a musician and traditional healer, born and raised in Mthambalala village near the Ntafufu river mouth, about 25 kilometers from Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape.
He became a sangoma (traditional healer) at the age of six, having undergone training which included dream interpretation, and the use of traditional plant medicines.
Ntombe Thongo's musical career as a guitarist began in 1992, and he he subsequently combined his healing skills with his musicality, which afforded him a new platform of communication. "Seventy percent of the things which I sing about come from my dreams", he explains. "Music and healing go together. I am healing those who listen to my music."
Ntombe Thongo's debut album Thokozile was released in 2012, and won the South African Traditional Music (SATMA) Award as best isiXhosa album of 2012. He was also nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA) for best Maskandi album in 2013.
He plays traditional instruments including the Umrhubhe (known as mouth bow), uHadi, which is a bow attached to a calabash, and a 12 string guitar. He also choreographs and comosers, and calls his music style "TRANSKHANDA", which he describes as a type of Traditional Trance music from the Transkei.
Ntombethongo's style is unique and the audience is totally taken in by his incredible dance moves, innocently beautiful voice, and crazy traditional beaded dress, with mini skirt and high heels.
Instrumentation:
vocals, guitar (acoustic / semi-acoustic), Uhadi bow
Genre:
African, folk
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Ntombethongo has been touring the world since 2003 to present with other well known South African bands, including Ibuyambo ensemble. As a soloist, he has featured in videos for Freshlyground, Thandiswa Mazwai and Amampondo.
He has performed in Europe, Asia, North America and of course at home in the Eastern cape, Nationally, and elsewhere on our continent. Notable performances include Afrofest (Canada), Womex (Spain, UK), and the National Arts Festival at Grahamstown.
He released his debut album "Thokozile" in 2012.
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Recent performance clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIuj_BbSUbE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXiZgwYIaCA
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Contact Details:
Making Music Productions cc
Tel + 27 21 422 0118
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Recordings : Tutsu, Ntombethongo
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2012
Thokozile
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click here for more about these and other recordings by : Tutsu, Ntombethongo
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