Umgidi ENSEMBLE

Umgidi Ensemble is a project headed by Ndabo Zulu, born and raised in Chesterville formerly known as Umkhumbane just outside of Durban. Umgidi Ensemble was Ndabo Zulu's recent master's project at the Norwegian music Academy; this project aims at looking at what could be a possible orchestration of a Nguni orchestra. Like in a western symphony orchestra which comprises of instruments that have a huge traditional significance to the west, the ensemble aims at assembling both conventional and Nguni traditional instruments that will complement the compositional content.

The ensemble recently recorded an album titled Queen Nandi the Nguni Symphony under the leadership of Derrick Hodge a Blue Note Records artist, as the producer, Nduduzo Makhathini as the Musical director and co-producer, accompanied by prominent South African musicians:

Mbuso Khoza (RSA) - Vocals
Zoe Modiga (RSA) - Vocals
Ndabo Zulu (RSA/NO) - trumpet (Band leader and composer)
Linda Sikhakhane (RSA/USA) - Saxophones
Siya Charles (RSA) - Trombone
Nduduzo Makhathini (RSA) - Piano/Rhodes (Musical Director/ co-producer)
Afrika Mkhize (RSA) - Piano/Rhodes
Shane Cooper (RSA) - Bass
Ayanda Sikade (RSA) - Drums
Sphelelo Mazibuko (RSA) - Drums
El Hadji Ndong (SN/RSA) - Percussion
Njabulo Shabalala (RSA) - Percussion