Mintirho ya Vulavula by SJ Khosa performed by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra

Mintirho ya Vulavula "Deeds communicate in a language understood by all" by Dr Shalati Joseph Khosa from the album Mintirho ya SJ Khosa Instrumental featuring the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. Produced by Dr Reuel J Khoza. Listen now on Apple Music:   / mintirho-ya-sj-khosa-instrumental  
Visit https://www.sjkhosamusic.co.za/ to access all the albums and sheet music now available.
Visit https://www.reuelkhoza.co.za/ for more about Executive Producer Dr Reuel J Khoza

Dr Shalati Joseph Khosa (1936-2013)

From time to time nations get blessed with prodigies. In the years 1936 to 2012 South Africa hosted one such musical prodigy in the person of Shalati Joseph Khosa (SJ). Born of a musical family SJ began arranging or embellishing hymns and traditional pieces at age six. By age fourteen he had formally composed several songs that were performed by church and school choirs.

During his first year at the University of the North (now University of Limpopo) his musical talent shone so brightly that Prof Lekhele could not resist to invite him as co-conductor of the University Choir and fellow adjudicator of high school Eisteddfods. His university contemporaries remember him so consumed by music that he would occasionally conduct imaginary choirs whilst queuing for food at the dining hall.

I had the fortune of being his student at Bankuna High School in 1965, albeit very briefly before he was transferred to another institution. Our relationship was to endure for decades.

His composition talent exploded onto the South African choral music scene with such songs as Giyani and Khindlimuka Gaza and later Mintirho Ya Vulavula (Deeds Speak), Matimba ya Vuyimbeleri (The Power of Music) and many more. By the time he died at age seventy-six he had composed in excess of 850 songs with such varied thematic messages as historical, cultural, spiritual, philosophical, traditional, educational, motivational, in praise of nature etc; spontaneous as well as commissioned. The twenty-four songs in this album are a selection of his better-known compositions. A delightful sample worthy of savouring.

SJ chose to enrich and nourish his natural music talent through formal study. In 1971 he won a musical scholarship to study Brass Band Music at Loussane in Switzerland. Later qualifications include BA, BA Honours and MA in Music Education. He was later awarded a doctorate in Music.

Dr SJ Khosa: Explosive musical talent, prolific composer, artistic conductor, dedicated music educator, objective adjudicator and an embodiment of musical brilliance par excellence. May humanity continue to delight in your countless songs and derive inspiration from your autobiography, a life abundantly lived, talent brilliantly displayed.
Dr Reuel J Khoza: 7 April 2015

Mark Cheyne (Music Producer & Orchestrator)

Mark Cheyne is one of South Africa’s most prolific symphonic arrangers. His arrangements have been performed throughout South Africa and internationally. He has worked with many well-known artists including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg, Sibongile Khumalo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lira & many others, as well as all the top orchestras in the country. Albums he has produced have received 5 nominations for South African Music Awards. He operates his music production company, Aaross Music, from Johannesburg, South Africa. www.aaross.co.za

KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Lykele Temmingh

The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra of 70 full-time musicians from more than twenty countries around the world. It enjoys a reputation for innovative excellence among South African orchestras and has proved to be a formidable resource countrywide.

From its world-class symphony concert seasons in the Durban City Hall, through a variety of popular concerts performed at indoor and outdoor venues, to its key focus of education, the KZN Philharmonic is committed to enriching the cultural life of South Africa’s diverse audiences.

Our comprehensive education and community engagement programmes
expose learners throughout KwaZulu-Natal to the range of instruments in an orchestra and how they combine to produce inspirational and entertaining symphony concerts. Exposing learners to our work builds an appreciation for music whilst also reaching potential new talent.

Credits:
Executive Producer: Dr Reuel J Khoza
Producer: Mark Cheyne
Musical Arrangements: Mark Cheyne
Consultant Musical Arranger: George Mxadana
Recording Engineer: Richard Mitchell
Assistant Engineers: Clinton Hattingh & Eduard de Lange
Mixed by: Mark Cheyne
Mastered by: Keith Forsyth
Album Artwork: Marc Barnard for Red Flag Design
Recorded at Studio -3, The Playhouse, Durban, November 2014