The UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music will host a performance by The Jazzy Shandu Ensemble on Wednesday 25 March. The outfit performs mainly compositions by Derrick “Simpi” Mbatha, who informally learnt music from Hugh Masekela and Victor Ntoni whom he met in New York, the United States, in the 1960s. Assisted by guitarist Bheki Khoza and bassist Jimmy Mngwadi, Mbatha produced a CD of his music with voices a couple of years ago.

The Jazzy Shandu Ensemble. Picture supplied

Currently he is leading JSE with Samkelo Njinji on keyboard, That Motsemme on bass, Nhlanhla Moletsane on trumpet, Phethokuhle Khathi on trombone and Manelisi Khumalo on tenor saxophone, and Mbatha on drums. The ensemble instrumentally performs this uniquely South African kind of Jazz. It recently captivated people at a concert that took place at The BAT Centre.

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Level 2, Dennis Shepstone Building, Howard College Campus. Tickets are available through Webtickets or at the door. They are selling at R130 for general public, R100 for pensioners and R70 for students with a valid student card. Doors will open at 17h00 and the concert starts at 17h30.