Press release
2005 November 09
Standard Bank Young Artist Award 2006
PRESS RELEASE
9 November 2005
CONCORD NKABINDE ANNOUNCED AS THE 2006 WINNER OF THE COVETED STANDARD BANK YOUNG ARTIST AWARD FOR JAZZ
Concord Nkabinde achieves Standard Bank’s stamp of approval as he is awarded the 2006 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz, and, as jazz fundi Alan Webster says, “Concord is going to be a fine ambassador for this award and an outstanding example to those who follow in his footsteps.”
This highly talented, well-respected musician, composer, producer and music educator was born in 1968 in Soweto. He was schooled at Emsebeni Primary School, Vukayibambe Senior Primary and then matriculated at Jabulani Technical High School. At the age of 10, the church awakened Concord’s passion for music and he was soon involved with gospel music bands in Soweto. This intense interest in music and his desire to further his education, led him to study a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Natal.
With a degree under his belt and a desire to share his passion, Concord began teaching in Soweto and Johannesburg, first at Fuba and then at the Funda Centre in Diepkloof, before deciding to pursue a career as a studio and touring musician.
Concord became a highly sought after bass guitarist working with musicians such as Abdullah Ibrahim, Zim Ngqawana, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and many others. It was during this time that he honed his leadership skills as a musical director and recording producer. His work as a producer includes recordings by Joyous Celebration 1, Wendy Mseleku – “Picking up the Pieces” and Tsunami – “From Clay”.
He has toured internationally with Johnny Clegg, Zim Ngqawana, Darius Brubeck, Deepak Ram, Ray Phiri and Gito Baloi, to name a few, and also assisted numerous international touring artists including Roy Ayers (USA), Colin ‘Black’
Vearncombe (UK), Sergio Diaz (Brazil) and Efrain Toro (Puerto Rico).
Concord’s passion for cross-cultural collaborations is evident in some of the projects that he has been involved in: Shuttle 99 (South Africa and the Nordic Countries 1988/99); Beyond the Rainbow (China and South Africa 2001); Gathering Forces (Jazz and Classical Indian Music 1994/97); Southern Cross (South Africa and Brazil 1994); Two Nations (UK and South Africa 1997) and Imbizo (Finland and South Africa 2003).
His experiences have led him along the paths of rock, jazz, and gospel through to traditional African music and anything in between. He feels strongly that “this is the time for us all to break down the walls and level the ground so the world can sing together in harmony.”
When Concord Nkabinde heard that he had won the 2006 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz he said, “I am truly touched by this generous gesture and it makes me want to touch others too. My life will never again be the same. Ngiyabonga.”
About the awards:
The Young Artist Awards were started in 1981 by the National Arts Festival to recognise emerging, relatively young South African artists who have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen field. These prestigious awards are presented annually to deserving artists in three to four arts disciplines, affording them national exposure and acclaim. Winning artists, as part of their award, are given the opportunity to perform, direct or exhibit on the National Arts Festival’s main programme. Standard Bank took over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984 and have presented Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines over their 22-year sponsorship, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards.
ISSUED BY : THE FAMOUS IDEA TRADING CC, T/A
GR COMMUNICATIONS
ON BEHALF OF : NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL, GRAHAMSTOWN
CONTACT : GILLY HEMPHILL
TEL : 021 886 4900
CELL : 082 820 8584
EMAIL : grcomm@mweb.co.za
