Band Profile: The Bonginkosi Madonsela Quartet (BMQ)

Bonginkosi Madonsela Quartet
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The Bonginkosi Madonsela Quartet (BMQ) is an eclectic and innovative jazz quartet based in Pretoria. The band members are young musicians, who have a unique story which gives the band its distinctive sound. BMQ has become becoming sought after both locally and internationally as a session band. In addition, they are in the process of releasing their new album.

On Saturday the 15th of September, the BMQ will be playing a FREE show at Jean Village Music in Centurion.

Where: Shop 3 Jean Village Shopping Centre
Corner Jean Avenue & Gerhard Street
Centurion
Time: 10am
Cost: FREE

The band members are Bonginkosi Madonsela on piano, Bafana Ndhlovu on bass, Jaques Meyer on drums, and Papi Koloi on Saxophone. Combined, the members of BMQ have worked and studied under some of the very top musicians in South Africa; from Moses Taiwa Molelekwa and Don Laka to Sello Galane and Mabe Thobejane.

The band members are not only technical players; each member is a composer, arranger and bandleader in their own right. BMQ was recently invited to be the house band for the first ever Mzantsi Jazz Awards. Their performance left a lot of people awed by their spirited accompaniment for artists like Mdu Mtshali, Dumza Maswana, Mimi Mtshali, and Nia Mo.

BMQ draws its musical influence from rich traditional African elements. They primarily play original compositions, as well as a few African standards which celebrate some of the great African musicians. The band aims to showcase their diverse culture through music while keeping the approach and renditions modern and fresh.

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More about Bonginkosi Madonsela

Winston Bonginkosi Madonsela was born in Soshanguve, Southern Africa. Many consider him to be one of the most influential and accomplished jazz pianists and composers in South Africa. In addition to leading his quartet, he regularly performs in concerts as a solo pianist.

During the course of his career, he has performed as pianist and/composer, with some of South Africa’s greatest musicians including the late Ernest Motle, Ladies in jazz, African jazz moods, Ngwako Manamela (xylophonist) Vusi Mahlasela, and he has performed alongside Vusi Khumalo, the late Moses Molelekwa and many more.

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