Tune Up - Music Touring Across Scotland

Tune up: Louis Mhlanga

A high profile Tune Up tour timed to coincide with Black History month in October 2004 and with South Africa's 10th year anniversary, this heady mix of mbanquanga, township jazz and chimurenga (jit-jive) is a must for all music lovers...

Due to popular demand, Louis and his band are on their third European tour but this will be their first time performing in Scotland. The Louis Mhlanga group has been together for several years and regularly tour the African continent and has performed at several European festivals.

The music is a mixture of mbanquanga, township jazz and chimurenga (Zimbabwean jit-jive).

Zimbabwean born Lois Mhlanga started playing guitar at the age of 10, teaching himself how to master the instrument. He transferred the traditional mbira patterns which are well known all over Africa into a unique way of playing the guitar in an eclectic, modern way.

During his career, Louis has worked and recorded with a number of accomplished musicians, such as King Sunny Ade, Letta Mbuli, Hugh Masekela, Eric van der Western and Ray Phiri. In 2000, Louis was involved with the acclaimed album, Place of Hope - a collaboration with George Duke, James Ingram and Al Jarreau.

The band is: Louis Mhlanga, guitars/vocals; Andile Yenana, piano/keyboards; Denni Talouette, electric bass; Monsa Magwaza, vocals and Sipho Knosiyani also on vocals