Imbewu Marimba Community Company led by marimba maestro, Mzubanzi Tema, continues to teach the marimba to underprivileged children and adults from Langa.
Having noticed the lack of marimba interest recently, the company has put more focus on schools to teach them music.
Banzi as he is affectionately known, developed a love for music at an early age. He is now trying to plant that seed with children from Langa and surrounding communities.
So, on Friday September 13 he hosted a workshop for young people at the Guga S’Thebe Arts and Culture Centre in Langa.
“We are planting the seed and we want to see good results after that. The workshop we are having is for these children to know the background of the marimba.
“But we have also noticed that today’s marimba players are playing for money and have no love for it.
“By having these kind of workshops we are trying to plough back and teach the love of the marimba,” he said.
Children seemed to be happy to be part of the band on the day and a highlight was when guest speaker and jazz legend, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, took to the stage to sing and give a talk.
A few were even seen crying after the song Where are the children? that seemed to have touched their hearts.
The legendary singer advised the young people to follow their dreams and emphasised the importance of discipline, respect – and self-respect.
“It is important for them to take their books seriously. They also should know that music is a career but it needs disciplined people. Some young people think this career is just something to have fun. There are a lot involved. But most importantly it demands self-discipline,” she said.
Imbewu called on people who want to invite them for workshops to do so. It will also host Marimba Explosive on Sunday September 29 at the Guga S’Thebe.
The show will be about the history of marimba in the province.
For more information, call Banzi Tema at 073 260 1372.