Mthakathi

Mthakathi's live solo show is an extraordinary experience. He is an incredibly magnetic performer, a disarming and witty story-teller, a powerful singer, a fiercely accomplished guitarist and a highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist on a whole range of instruments ranging from African percussion and mbiras (thumb pianos) to Zulu tuned accordion. Add to this his stunning mastery of digital looping technology and you have nothing short of a remarkable multi-instrumental, multi-dimensional, multi-cultural performance during which Mthakathi, sings in english and Zulu while he plays, records and arranges his electrifying South African influenced pop/rock songs, live, in real time, right before the audiences very eyes (ears) with *NO* backing tracks. It is as one radio host in South Africa put it: "World Music on JET FUEL!

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Mthakathi (pronounced: (m-TAA-gaa-tee), conjures up music that is undeniably and unflinchingly Rock, but bespeaks a more prismatic World sensibility. It is music that draws from a lifelong immersion in South African culture; music that reflects a keen absorption of eclectic world elements; music that explores expression beyond borders; and music that rocks. An innovative song-smith, compelling lyricist, arresting guitarist and a spell-binding performer, Mthakathi - the "wizard," the "witch doctor," the "magic man," the "inyanga who mixes things that shouldn't be mixed"- is a rock artist of world citizenry, one who defies the confines of simple categorization and smudges the boundaries of culture, genre and time.

Equally at home "clicking" in a traditional Xhosa song in rural South Africa as he is unleashing a scorching Strat solo in a NYC club, Mthakathi began his rock / world fusion adventurism touring and recording with many notable African artists in both, Africa and the US. The development of his signature, cross-pollinating style - combining diverse cultural elements to create music that is mesmerizingly unique and magically universal - eventually earned him his endearing Zulu title by his South African "muso" family.

With the launch of his debut solo album Ownership (released under his a.k.a Ema), Mthakathi steered the rock / world fusion movement into the realm of Safro-Rock. Ownership is a fiery 12 song, multi-culti mashup of finely crafted rock, vibrant African infusions & magnetic story-telling. Mthakathi's thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic voice are girded on each track by striking ethno-sonic landscapes, packed with South African voices, dizzying percussion beds, searing guitar solos and soaring sax rides.

Recorded in the US and South Africa, Ownership boasts a host of veteran African and American musicians who have logged in touring and recording stints with artists ranging from rock legends Paul Simon, Sting and the Rolling Stones to South African luminaries Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Johnny Clegg.

The break-out single and video Jozi was deemed "a tribute to all things beautiful" by radio host Angela Ludik of Jo'burg's Radio 2000 and Donald Paul, editor of Cape Town's The Big Issue proclaimed, "The Wizardry, very apparent on this album, proves it's been a worthwhile journey."

The journey continues...

PRESS:

"Inspired impulse...Ema's love of Maskandi guitar is evident, making the album resound with a heartfelt essence"
-The Cape Times (Cape Town)

"Inspiring...Ema is impressive on a whole range of instruments!"
- The Johannesburg Citizen

"Superb music!"
The New Yorker

"A REAL exemplar of world music"
Brooks Spector - Radio Today (Johannesburg)

"Proficient, enthusiastic and versatile"
- New York Newsday

"The whole album [Ownership] is hugely impressive and extremely expressive to the maximum!"
Nadine Richardson - Chillers: African Magic TV (Continental Africa)

"...a gifted American multi-instrumentalist"
The Village Voice

"It's somewhat humbling, you have an American born musician from New York that probably knows more about South African music than many of the South African's listening to this show!"
Evan Milton - FMR Radio 101.3 (Cape Town)

"The wizardry, very apparent on this album, proves it’s been a worthwhile journey"
Donald Paul - The Big Issue (Cape Town)

"Intricate and hypnotic"
Rhythmusic Magazine

" Jozi is the track - a tribute to everything that's beautiful"
Angela Ludek - Radio 2000 (Johannesburg)

Mthakathi can be completely self-sufficient and provide a full PA that is adequate for a large capacity theater or auditorium (think PAC) if necessary.

If venue is providing FOH Audio, then the engineer will receive a pre-mixed stereo XLR feed from Mthakathi's on stage rig. No monitors are required as he uses custom IEMs (in-ear monitors).

Mthakathi's stage rig consists of an equipment rack, a large pedal board, 3 guitars and stands, an acoustic and electronic percussion rack and 2 large Zulu drums (55 gallon oil barrels) ... He can setup reasonably tight, but not on a postage stamp ;-)

Lighting must be provided by the venue unless it is a house concert.

At least 1 able bodied individual must be on hand to help load equipment

Venue/Presenter must allow for at least 2 hours prior to and after show for setup and tear down.