ContentsContents Introduction/HistoryIntroduction/History 33 Vision, Mission & ObjectivesVision, Mission & Objectives 44 Range of Musical Instruments Range of Musical Instruments 5-65-6 Previous Acclaimed Performances Previous Acclaimed Performances 7-87-8 Workshops Workshops 99 The Band MembersThe Band Members 10-1210-12 Discography & VideographyDiscography & Videography 1313 Contact DetailsContact Details 1414

Introduction: The HistoryIntroduction: The History

The name Sankofa is an Akan (Ghanaian vernacular) word that means, "We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward; so we understand why and how we came to be who we are today. The band opted to use the name because it believes that one must return to the past in order to move forward. Musical knowledge of the past must be revisited in order to inform the future of musical ideas.

The band was started in 2005, by a dedicated and experienced team of Wits University students, who enrolled at the Wits School of Arts (WSOA). This led to Sankofa becoming the band that it has evolved into today, with a membership comprising of seven professional musicians, pursuing musical development continuously.

In the initial stages of developing and building the band, along with the above mentioned music students at the University, Sankofa’s then membership also enlisted an aspiring marimba professional in his youth. The young man was introduced to the band and he instantly loved the band concept; the band was reaching it’s completion in terms of the visionaries it would take to establish the high caliber of artistic vision & skillful execution in performing ability required for the Sankofa project to excel.

At first, performances were only on Wits University Campus (to great acclaim), gradually as the band’s notoriety for high entertainment value grew, they performed for the Wits School of Arts, and soon were in demand within the greater neighboring Johannesburg CBD area. Today the band performs in a wide scope of functions ranging from their own concerts, big corporate functions and weddings, celebratory occasions of diverse fashions and national festivals.

The band is a four piece African Marimbas band, comprising also of African flutes (self-made), the West African Kora Harp, the Madagascan Vahlia string instrument, mbiras, Jaw Harp, Uhadi and other percussive instruments-agogo, cow bells, rattles, rain stick, djembe’s, congas, bongos. Sankofa’s vision regarding it’s use of indigenous instruments is to be a dynamic, vibrant vehicle for the cataloguing, storing, playing, advancing and evolution of the usage and cross-cultural application of skillful expertise with indigenous instruments, specifically of Africa as a whole, and in a grander perspective, those indigenous instruments of the rest of the world.

Vision Vision To be an excellent To be an excellent entertainment company that willentertainment company that will promote and perform indigenous African musical promote and perform indigenous African musical

instruments within the creative industry in South Africa and abroad.instruments within the creative industry in South Africa and abroad.

Our missionOur mission

To increase the level of artistic growthTo increase the level of artistic growth To promote and nurture the knowledge of ancient African music through music workshops in high schools in To promote and nurture the knowledge of ancient African music through music workshops in high schools in Johannesburg.Johannesburg. To restore the heritage of indigenous African music and its instruments so as to produce informed musiciansTo restore the heritage of indigenous African music and its instruments so as to produce informed musicians

ObjectivesObjectives

To carve new musical directions in which African musical instruments can be fused with modern musical instruments (i.e. To carve new musical directions in which African musical instruments can be fused with modern musical instruments (i.e. guitars, violins, etc) to form an eclectic sound.guitars, violins, etc) to form an eclectic sound.

To restore the traditional heritage of the past.To restore the traditional heritage of the past. Eventually establishing ourselves internationally and sharing our music with the rest of the world, both young and old.Eventually establishing ourselves internationally and sharing our music with the rest of the world, both young and old. To infuse a mixture of other art forms such as dancing, poetry, acting and singing with our music.To infuse a mixture of other art forms such as dancing, poetry, acting and singing with our music.

Range of Musical InstrumentsRange of Musical Instruments

African Flutes

Kora

Uhadi Bows

Marimba

Percussion

Mbira

Kudu Horn

Previous Acclaimed PerformancesPrevious Acclaimed Performances

WitsWits University: University: Judge Edwin Cameron’sJudge Edwin Cameron’s Farewell Dinner Wits University Open Day Functions Farewell Dinner Wits University Open Day Functions Shared stage with Shared stage with Ringo MadlingoziRingo Madlingozi at the at the Gallagaher EstateGallagaher Estate for Media Awards Ceremony for Media Awards Ceremony Apartheid MuseumApartheid Museum: Human Rights/Gay Rights Function : Human Rights/Gay Rights Function Recorded withRecorded with Pops Mohamed Pops Mohamed for German Audio Library for German Audio Library Another Collaboration withAnother Collaboration with Sydney Mavuso & Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph Sydney Mavuso & Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph as part of theas part of the Celebration Celebration

Orchestra Orchestra in a concert celebrating the in a concert celebrating the State of Israel’s 60State of Israel’s 60thth Anniversary Anniversary inin Wits Great Hall Wits Great Hall

20082008

2009

Danone Food Garden Media Launch with CH Communications – Paul Mosaka Primary, Soweto Johannesburg Earthdance Arts Festival Brent Russell’s Wedding at Mangwa Valley Game Lodge Launch of website RizeAfrica.com in Monte Casino Collaborating on Sankofa’s first studio album with Bheki Khoza & Tim Kraft at the Academy of Sound Engineering Residency at House of Nsako live music venue/ Restaurant, co-owned by Neo Muyanga & Sifiso Ntuli

20072007

Gallagher EstateGallagher Estate: Local Government Award Ceremony : Local Government Award Ceremony SABC 2 SABC 2 Morning LiveMorning Live Programme Programme Stellenbosch University’s Stellenbosch University’s International Chamber Music FestivalInternational Chamber Music Festival Grahamstown National Arts festival doing our production- Echoes of RemembranceGrahamstown National Arts festival doing our production- Echoes of Remembrance Showcased Showcased Echoes of RemembranceEchoes of Remembrance in the in the 969 festival969 festival at Wits Amphitheatre at Wits Amphitheatre Jewish Weddings at Jewish Weddings at The Sandton ShulThe Sandton Shul Wits University: Wits University: Origins Centre Origins Centre for for Absa Women’s Evening CelebrationAbsa Women’s Evening Celebration Wits University: Launch of the Wits University: Launch of the Johannesburg Centre for Software EngineeringJohannesburg Centre for Software Engineering Weddings at Weddings at MaropengMaropeng Collaborated withCollaborated with Marcus Wyatt, Sydney Mavuso & Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph Marcus Wyatt, Sydney Mavuso & Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph as part of theas part of the Celebration Celebration

Orchestra Orchestra in a production entitledin a production entitled Voices for Africa Voices for Africa inin Wits Great Hall Wits Great Hall

2006

Stellenbosch University’s Stellenbosch University’s International Chamber Music FestivalInternational Chamber Music Festival SABC HeadquartersSABC Headquarters : launch of the : launch of the Vukuzenzele Radio Programme Vukuzenzele Radio Programme Hilton HotelHilton Hotel: The South African-Italian Awards Ceremony: The South African-Italian Awards Ceremony Jewish Weddings at Jewish Weddings at The Sandton ShulThe Sandton Shul Weddings at the Weddings at the Cradle of MankindCradle of Mankind Market TheatreMarket Theatre- international musical production ‘- international musical production ‘ElephantElephant’’ Winners of the Winners of the Open Category SectionOpen Category Section in the very first in the very first National Marimba CompetitionNational Marimba Competition in in Boksburg, Gauteng, South AfricaBoksburg, Gauteng, South Africa..

WorkshopsWorkshops

Joburg Carnival Kids Music ProjectJoburg Carnival Kids Music Project initiated by the initiated by the Dept. of Sports & RecreationDept. of Sports & Recreation in collaboration in collaboration

with Sankofa with Sankofa (SMDA)(SMDA) & & Curriculum Development Program Centre of Arts & CultureCurriculum Development Program Centre of Arts & Culture (CDP) (CDP) Initiated Initiated Marimba & African Percussion WorkshopsMarimba & African Percussion Workshops project in primary & secondary schools under our project in primary & secondary schools under our

NGO NGO Sankofa Music Development Association (SMDA)Sankofa Music Development Association (SMDA)

2009

2007

Sankofa conducted African music composition, improvisation & playing techniques workshops Sankofa conducted African music composition, improvisation & playing techniques workshops at Stellenbosch University’s at Stellenbosch University’s International Chamber Music FestivalInternational Chamber Music Festival Worked withWorked with Pedro ‘The Music Man’ Espi-Sanchis Pedro ‘The Music Man’ Espi-Sanchis onon Vuvuzela Orchestra Vuvuzela Orchestra (ongoing project)(ongoing project)

2006

Sankofa conducted African music composition, improvisation & playing techniques workshops Sankofa conducted African music composition, improvisation & playing techniques workshops at Stellenbosch University’s at Stellenbosch University’s International Chamber Music FestivalInternational Chamber Music Festival

The Band The Band MembersMembers

Samora 'Eitaniel' Ntsebeza: Samora 'Eitaniel' Ntsebeza: DirectorDirector

InstrumentsInstruments: : Percussionist, Voice & MarimbaPercussionist, Voice & Marimba

Samora was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He has completed a BMus 4Samora was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He has completed a BMus 4

year degree at Witwatersrand University in 2006. In 1999 Samora was selected to star in theyear degree at Witwatersrand University in 2006. In 1999 Samora was selected to star in the

musical "FAME" which was staged at the Monument Theatre in Grahamstown, at age 15. In 2001 he wasmusical "FAME" which was staged at the Monument Theatre in Grahamstown, at age 15. In 2001 he was

a member of the "Duke of Cornwall singers" singing ensemble of St. Stithians Boys College whicha member of the "Duke of Cornwall singers" singing ensemble of St. Stithians Boys College which

toured to Argentina in 2002. He toured Argentina again in 2003, this time singing with the toured to Argentina in 2002. He toured Argentina again in 2003, this time singing with the

Wits University Choir under the training of Dalene Hoogenout. At St. Stithians Boy’s College, he won theWits University Choir under the training of Dalene Hoogenout. At St. Stithians Boy’s College, he won the

'Saints singer of the Year' competition. From a young age, ancient traditions, arts, cultures, and the mystical 'Saints singer of the Year' competition. From a young age, ancient traditions, arts, cultures, and the mystical

nature of ancient cultures has intriguted Samora. As a musician, this has manifested in him acquiring and nature of ancient cultures has intriguted Samora. As a musician, this has manifested in him acquiring and

learning Japanese, Chinese, South American and African indigenous instruments, flutes, drums and learning Japanese, Chinese, South American and African indigenous instruments, flutes, drums and

compositional forms.compositional forms.

Moipone Elizabeth Khomari: Moipone Elizabeth Khomari: Road Manager and Logistics OfficerRoad Manager and Logistics Officer

Instruments:Instruments: Voice & Marimba. Voice & Marimba.

She was born in Pretoria, South Africa and she has a Bmus Dtegree from Wits University.She was born in Pretoria, South Africa and she has a Bmus Dtegree from Wits University.

She aspires to be one of the best soprano singers ever born and bred inShe aspires to be one of the best soprano singers ever born and bred in

South Africa. She plans to take on the world. She plans to be part of the Marimba band for a South Africa. She plans to take on the world. She plans to be part of the Marimba band for a

long time to come and see it through when it flourishes. She wants to see the band’s full long time to come and see it through when it flourishes. She wants to see the band’s full

potential manifest and grow with it – whilst incorporating singing simultaneously.potential manifest and grow with it – whilst incorporating singing simultaneously.

David Lephoto: David Lephoto: Financial OfficerFinancial Officer Instruments:Instruments: Voice, Mbira, Piano & Marimba Voice, Mbira, Piano & Marimba

David has completed a Bmus Degree at Wits University. He was a digital music technology tutor for two years David has completed a Bmus Degree at Wits University. He was a digital music technology tutor for two years at Wits University. He has worked in the State Theatre on “I Mike What I Like” with Kgafela Oa Magogodi at Wits University. He has worked in the State Theatre on “I Mike What I Like” with Kgafela Oa Magogodi and an animated play by Wits masters and an animated play by Wits masters

animation students. animation students.

He enjoys tackling life’s challenges, obstacles because they help him to conceptualize his future better. He enjoys tackling life’s challenges, obstacles because they help him to conceptualize his future better.

Joe Ntsako Makhanza: Joe Ntsako Makhanza: Head of MarketingHead of Marketing

Instruments: Instruments: Percussionist, Voice, Mbira, Flute & Marimba.Percussionist, Voice, Mbira, Flute & Marimba.

Joe was born in Giyani, South Africa. He has a BMus Degree from Wits University, a Joe was born in Giyani, South Africa. He has a BMus Degree from Wits University, a

Diploma in Arts Marketing also from Wits and a Certificate in Advertising and Diploma in Arts Marketing also from Wits and a Certificate in Advertising and

Graphic Design from Damelin. Joe has been blessed with a vast knowledge of designing making Graphic Design from Damelin. Joe has been blessed with a vast knowledge of designing making

Indigenous Instrument.Indigenous Instrument.

He feels that his purpose is to heal people through music. Music for him is not justHe feels that his purpose is to heal people through music. Music for him is not just

about entertainment, it is also about life itself. It’s all of life! He sleeps, walks, talks and eats music.about entertainment, it is also about life itself. It’s all of life! He sleeps, walks, talks and eats music.

Olaotse Lekau Mmileng: Olaotse Lekau Mmileng: Artistic DirectorArtistic Director

Instruments:Instruments: Percussionist & Marimba.Percussionist & Marimba.

Olautse was born in Mafikeng. He started playing marimba at school in Mmabatho Olautse was born in Mafikeng. He started playing marimba at school in Mmabatho

under the influence of Mr. Cushman. He is a marimba player by profession and hasunder the influence of Mr. Cushman. He is a marimba player by profession and has

always had a huge interest in ethnic music and instrument like African drums althoughalways had a huge interest in ethnic music and instrument like African drums although

his passion lies within the marimba. He has been involved in the Love Life games and his passion lies within the marimba. He has been involved in the Love Life games and

reached the national two years in a row, in 2002 he toured internationally to Shangai, China. reached the national two years in a row, in 2002 he toured internationally to Shangai, China.

He aspires to be the best that he can be… “myself”.He aspires to be the best that he can be… “myself”.

Alfred Elikem Kunutsor:Alfred Elikem Kunutsor: Artistic DirectorArtistic Director

Instruments:Instruments: Percussionist & Marimba. Percussionist & Marimba.

Alfred was born in Accra-Ghana. He has completed a BADA Degree and now finishing his Masters Alfred was born in Accra-Ghana. He has completed a BADA Degree and now finishing his Masters

Degree at Wits UniversityDegree at Wits University. . Alfred is not only a musician but a choreographer and a professional dancer.Alfred is not only a musician but a choreographer and a professional dancer.

He says he gets his inspiration by tuning into the spirit of the instruments that he plays, the drums, He says he gets his inspiration by tuning into the spirit of the instruments that he plays, the drums,

(traditional to his Ghanaian culture) which continually connect him with his inner being in order to change (traditional to his Ghanaian culture) which continually connect him with his inner being in order to change

the situation and the environment around him.the situation and the environment around him.

NhlamaziNhlamazi Ignatia CynthiaIgnatia Cynthia Madalane:Madalane: Administration OfficerAdministration Officer

InstrumentsInstruments: : Percussionist, Voice & MarimbaPercussionist, Voice & Marimba

Ignatia was born in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She finished her Bmus Degree at WitsUniversity andIgnatia was born in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She finished her Bmus Degree at WitsUniversity and

currently, she is doing her last year of a Masters Degree, in Ethnomusicology, also at Wits University. She is currently, she is doing her last year of a Masters Degree, in Ethnomusicology, also at Wits University. She is

An Afro-Jazz/Pop vocalist and leader of her own Afro-Jazz/Pop band, as well as a songwriter. In 1999 she An Afro-Jazz/Pop vocalist and leader of her own Afro-Jazz/Pop band, as well as a songwriter. In 1999 she

joined a Gospel music group called Voices of Praise from Witbank, which she recorded an album with and joined a Gospel music group called Voices of Praise from Witbank, which she recorded an album with and

which she later headed as the music directorwhich she later headed as the music director..

Discography

Demo Album (recorded at SABC RBF Studios)

Sankofa “Live” Recorded at Stellenbosch Univ. International Chamber Music Festival

http://sankofa.co.za/sound-room/ (our samples on our official website and blog)

Videography

www.youtube.com/sankofapercussion (containing footage of workshops, rehearsals, performances, documentary clips)

DVD (Celebration Orchestra concert Celebration Orchestra concert celebration of celebration of State of Israel’s 60th Anniversary State of Israel’s 60th Anniversary inin Wits Great HallWits Great Hall))

DVD DVD (Sankofa’s (Sankofa’s Echoes of RemembranceEchoes of Remembrance Theatre Production)Theatre Production)

Contact/Booking DetailsContact/Booking Details

Samora NtsebezaSamora NtsebezaDirectorDirector

Sankofa: Afro-Indigenous Fusion BandSankofa: Afro-Indigenous Fusion Band

CC: 082 798 4028: 082 798 4028

EmailEmail: : eitaniel@gmail.com

Joe MakhanzaJoe Makhanza

Head: MarketingHead: Marketing

Sankofa : Afro-Indigenous Fusion BandSankofa : Afro-Indigenous Fusion Band

CC: 082 934 7735: 082 934 7735

EmailEmail: : joemakhanza@gmail.com