Press Article

2006 July 10   "Independent talent makes great strides"
Publication: Sowetan
Byline: Gugu Sibiya

Many people would not only agree on Concord Nkabinde’s talent and compulsive independence, but would also lament his elusiveness because of his frequent engagements abroad.
Though a relative newcomer in the music industry, the quality of Nkabinde’s work has enabled him to stand head and shoulders above his peers. This quality was evident at his much talked-about performance with Gloria Bosman at the Guy Butler Theatre at the Monument, at the Arts National Festival in Grahamstown, at the weekend,

Nkabinde’s repertoire was made up of material from his acclaimed album The Time The Season and from his forthcoming album This is my world, which is to be released at the end of this month.

About his show Nkabinde said: “Anybody who comes to my shows must expect the unexpected. They must be open to familiar songs with new interpretations, as well as be ready to engage with the band. I just love to interact with the audience.”

Refuting claims that he is elusive, he said: “If you really looking for me, I am just an e-mail away. Besides, I have been traveling the world for the past five years, performing with Johnny Clegg. Our tours have taken us to Switzerland, France, Germany and the US.
“The experience has been amazing, but I have decided to focus on my solo career. I will step up on performances though I am still pursuing the independent route.”

Nkabinde released two albums independently and advises artists to try this route. “It’s challenging, but it’s the most amazing thing to do for yourself. You actually take charge of your destiny, learn how it’s done and are in charge of your creativity.”
“I have been teaching music students from all over the country on the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival programme with experienced musicians from US, Sweden, the Netherlands and South Africa. I must confess I am bowled over by the amount of talent in our country.”
“Unfortunately, because music no longer forms part of the school curriculum, most musicians cannot read music. But I suppose that is where we step in, addressing those challenges,” he said.
“As teachers we play together and our students form part of our audience. They get to ask questions in between and afterwards. The exciting thing is that our classes are not just about performances, but about the music business as a whole.”

Nkabinde said that after Grahamstown he was going to raise funds for the release of his album at the end of the month and prepare for his performance at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival next month.
“Many artists would give their right hand to play at the Joy of Jazz gig. It’s a fantastic opportunity and the publicity is priceless. It’s an amazing platform for any musician who is serious about his craft.”
His last gig before Grahamstown was “a nostalgic trip where I was playing songs by artists that had influenced me as a child. The repertoire comprised songs by PJ Powers, Bright Blue, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and a medley of Mannenberg and Freshly Ground songs.”