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TThe Soweto String Quartet is one of South Africa’s favourite musical ensembles. Their take on classical music incorporates the dance rhythms of kwela, the syncopated guitars of mbaqanga and the saxophones and trumpets of African jazz to produce music that is fresh, funky and proudly South African.
They are classically trained musicians, but the Soweto String Quartet is not your typical classical ensemble. This South African quartet is made up of 3 brothers from the Soweto township – Sandile, Thami and Reuben Khamese – along with their childhood friend, Makhosini Mnguni.
They got their early formal musical training at the Madimba School of Music in Soweto but were equally influenced by their exposure to the township's melting pot of musical influences, including jazz, gospel and traditional African music.
Sandile and Reuben went on to play in the Soweto Symphony Orchestra, touring internationally and studying music abroad before returning to South Africa and forming the Soweto String Quartet in 1989.
In recent years, these South African musicians have performed at home and abroad as ambassadors for South Africa. Their music has won them awards and fans from across the globe. As well as playing at high-profile events, such as former President Nelson Mandela's inauguration, the group also regularly performs at various shows and festivals.
They have collaborated with, among others, Jabu Khanyile, Jimmy Dludlu, Vusi Mahlasela and the late Lucky Dube, and have performed alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Manu Dibango and the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
The Soweto String Quartet's best-selling albums include Zebra Crossing, Ranaissance, Millennia, Four and Our World.
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The Soweto String Quartet
Email: ssq@sowetomusic.co.za
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