23/06/2023
UKZN’s College of Humanities recently conferred an honorary doctoral degree on Dr Muziwakhe “Madala” Kunene (Doctor of Music).
Affectionately known as Madala Kunene, a world-renowned guitarist, he was recognised by the University for his outstanding contribution to the South African music industry. He decided he wanted to be a musician early in life and fashioned his own guitar from a cooking oil tin and strings made from fishing line.
In his acceptance address presented in isiZulu, Kunene expressed gratitude to the University for his musical recognition. He also took to the stage to perform one of his songs that had audiences enthralled. Kunene reflected on his humble beginnings playing the guitar with friends in Mkhumbane, Durban, in the 1950s. Despite the challenges they faced as artists, including poverty and oppression, they persevered and contributed to South African music
Kunene encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams, despite obstacles, and to make meaningful contributions to society. He said, ‘As your journey starts today, it is important to know who you are, and to truly follow what is your gift. We are not only studying for ourselves, but we are studying to improve society.’
Turning professional in the 1970s, Kunene has shared the stage with great musicians including Doc Mthalane, Songamasu, Shor Philips, Mankunku Ngozi and Busi Mhlongo.
Kunene started recording music in the 1990s and in 1995 released an album Madamax with Swiss guitarist and songwriter Max Lasser. He later released King of the Zulu Guitar - Vol. 1, which sold well overseas and was a SAMA-nominated album.
In 2004, he composed the score for the feature film Yesterday, while in 2014, he collaborated with various local and international artists to produce: Madala Kunene - BAFO the Mentor, The Forest Jam Sessions, Vol. 3.
Released in 2015, the album 1959, featured musical giants including Lu Dlamini, Hugh Masekela, Sthembiso Hlela, Max Lasser, Vishen Kemraj, Sazi Dlamini.
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is proud to host a musical celebration of Dr Madala Kunene in acknowledging this historic occasion, his long and invaluable association with UKZN, and his central role as a musician and cultural icon in our community. Dr Madala Kunene will be joined by Lu Dlamini, Vishen Kemraj and Bab Themba Mokoena.
Please join us on Friday 23 June 2023, 19:00
This concert is supported by Concerts SA
UKZN, Centre for Jazz and Popular Music
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, level 2
Tickets are R150, R100 for pensioners, R50 student
Vishen Kemraj
South Africa's most sort after tabla player and percussionist. He started playing tabla at the age of 10 under the guidance of his father Mr Kemraj Ramdeo. He thereafter studied under Isaiselvamani Kartigesan Pillay. Vishen's dream was fulfilled when he studied at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and privately under Ustad Basherr Ahmed Kham and Pt Yogesh Samsi. He performed in many countries in Africa, America, Mauritius, and Germany. Upon his return from India many years ago, Vishen began promoting the art of Indian Classical and contemporary Music under the Banner of Taal School Of Music where he teaches Tabla Harmonium, Vocal and other disciplines as well. Vishen has performed with many South African jazz artistes like Lu Dlamini and Madala Kunene. He has also performed with many Indian artistes like Kumar Sanu, Sukhvinder r Singh, Dinesh Kumar Dube and Pt Vaibhav Joshi to name a few. Vishen performs widely with his two sons. He also runs a music repair shop and a recording studio.
