Kwela Tebza is a South African
Kwela musical group of three brothers, Mpho, Tebogo, and Tshepo Lerole. They play
penny whistle
The tin whistle, also called the penny whistle, is a simple six-holed woodwind instrument. It is a type of fipple flute, putting it in the same class as the recorder, Native American flute, and other woodwind instruments that meet such criteria. ...
s.
History
1996
The trio has been performing since 1996 and has published four albums to its name. The three
Soweto-born brothers who make up the group are Tebogo, Tshepo and Mpho. They combine elements from Sophiatown and South African Jazz with contemporary beats and modern production techniques. The band claims that American actor
Danny Glover
Danny Lebern Glover (; born July 22, 1946) is an American actor, film director, and political activist. He is widely known for his lead role as Roger Murtaugh in the ''Lethal Weapon'' film series. He also had leading roles in his films include ...
is a fan.
They have collaborated with South African artists including
The Parlotones
The Parlotones are a South African indie rock band from Johannesburg. Formed in 1998, the group consists of Kahn Morbee (vocals and rhythm guitar), Paul Hodgson (lead guitar), Glen Hodgson (bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), and Neil ...
,
Mahotela Queens,
Zolani Mahola of
Freshlyground, Sliqour, Mxo, Tuks, Mzekezeke,
Khanyi Mbau,
Thembi Seete
Thembi Seete (born 25 March 1977), is a South African actress, singer, rapper, television presenter and model. She is best known as a member of former kwaito group ''Boom Shaka''. Currently, she plays the role of "Gladys" in the Mzansi Magic tel ...
, Pro kid, Spikiri, Oskido Dj Mthepu and Winnie Khumalo.
The album ''Made In Africa'' is planned for release in 2015, and includes contributions from
Femi Kuti,
Salif Keita,
Youssou N'Dour,
Coldplay and
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados, Rihanna auditioned for American record producer Evan Rogers who invited her to the ...
.
Other work
Kwela Tebza is working on a
reality television series ''Dream Builders'' to build homes for previously disadvantaged families and communities. The group have also worked to teach young people from 9 to 16 years old to play the penny whistle.
Discography
* ''Kwela Tebza'' (1996)
* ''6 Faces of Dr. Kwela'' (1999)
* ''The Journey'' (2007)
* ''King Kwela'' (2007)
* ''Made In South Africa'' (2009)
* ''Gauteng Made In South Africa/Reload (2009)
* ''The Calling'' (2015)
Awards and nominations
*Best Styled Group at the
METRO FM Music Awards 2007
*Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 2007
South African Music Awards
*Best Collaboration and Best Single at the
METRO FM Music Awards 2009
*Best Styled at the Feather Awards 2010
*Nominated Best Remix at the
Channel O Music Video Awards
Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, once known as Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards, are Pan-African music awards organised by South Africa -based Channel O television channel. The awards were first held in 2003 under the name Reel Music Video A ...
2010
*Nominated Best Urban Pop Album at the 2011
South African Music Awards
References
{{Authority control
South African musical groups