Meet the Artist – Opening Event

MONDAY, 09.12.2024
IWALEWAHAUS
7pm - 10pm

An inspiring evening where Thandeka shares her journey as a traditional instrument practitioner and performer, introducing the fascinating process of instrument-making.

Thandeka Mfinyongo

Thandeka Mfinyongo is a musician born and raised in Nyanga East, Cape Town. Mfinyongo specialises in two Xhosa instruments, uhadi (gourd/calabash bow) and umrhubhe (mouth-bow). In 2020, she graduated with her Master’s in Music Performance at SOAS University of London, majoring in kora (an instrument from West Africa). Mfinyongo is doing her PhD in Ethnomusicology at Rhodes University.

Mfinyongo’s musical contributions extend beyond performance; she has collaborated with renowned artists such as the late
Dr Madosini and Dumza Maswana. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition and awards like the Rhodes University Top 100 Award for Arts, Media, Culture & Society. And opportunities to perform at prestigious events like the Joy of Jazz, the National Arts Festival, the Folklore Festival, the Oluzayo Festival, Resonance presented by NewMusicSA, and the South African Strings Foundation.