Mthunzi Mvubu
South African based saxophonist and flute player Mthunzi Mvubu started his music career at the age of 14 at the Music Academy of Gauteng under the mentorship of the late Dr. Johnny Mekoa. He has performed with Kevin Mahogany and Everest Greene, the O'Jays, the Temptations, and Clarence Carter
Mthuzi has also performed around the world with the finest musicians - Abdullah Ibrahim, Themba Mkhize, Victor Ntoni, Omar Sosa, Nduduzo Makhathini, and many more. Recently Mvubu has been touring Europe as a member of Shabaka and The Ancestors.
A prolific session performer, Mvubu has appeared on more than 20 albums, including Lionel Loueke and Shabaka Hutchings. His experience and passion for the music have brought him to record his debut album, titled The 1st Gospel.
Mvubu’s intent and approach are evident in the title, as is his deep respect for the art form. Comfortable in any Jazz club or stage, the music speaks to a deep spiritual connection between player and listener at the heart of improvisational Jazz. The 1st Gospel sounds decidedly analog, with enough space and time to wander from the NY Jazz Club to the African village. One is reminded of a simpler, more relaxed time as each player shines without fanfare.
session recordings
SWR New Jazz Meeting featuring Lionel Loueke
Marcus Wyatt – ZAR Jazz Orchestra Featuring Mthunzi Mvubu
Shabaka and The Ancestors – We Are Sent Here By History – Impulse Records
Shabaka and The Ancestors – Wisdom of Elders
Nduduzo Makhathini – Mother Tongue (2013), Sketches of Tomorrow (2014)
Herbie Tsoaeli – Afrikan Time
Thandiswa Mazwai – Belede
Feya Faku – Spirit Jazz Orchestra
Thandi Ntuli – The Offering (2014), Exiled (2018), Black Elijaj & The Children of Meroë (2022)
Impressions On Pepper – A Day In The Life, Verve Label Group
Mandla Mlangeni – Amandla Freedom Ensemble,Bhekisizwe
Tumi Mogorosi – Project Elo (2014), Group Theory: Black Music (2022)
The 1st Gospel
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Mthunzi Mvubu: Alto Saxophone, Flute and Vocals
Tobias Meinhart: Tenor Saxophone
Mpumi Dhlamini: Tenor Saxophone on Zig Zag, and B Hammond Organ on A Child Speaks
Sphelelo Mazibuko: Drums and Vocals
Dalisu Ndlazi: Double Bass and Vocals
Afrika Mkhize: Piano, Synthesizers and Vocals
All songs composed and arranged by Mthunzi Mvubu except tracks 2 & 10 (Composed by Afrika Mkhize)
Recorded by Peter Auret at Sumo Sound Recording Studio, Johannesburg, on August 18 & 19, 2019
Mixed and Mastered by Mpumi Dhlamini at Atrium Studios. Produced by Afrika Mkhize and Mthunzi Mvubu (Shwele P1 & P2 co-produced by Mpumi Dhlamini). Executive Produced by Mthunzi Mvubu
Photography by Reza Khota and Muhammad Dawjee. Graphic design by Stacey Van Der Walt