New single release for Komani-born jazz artist

Songwriter and afro soul artist, Luthando Mbengo, will be taking the stage with his newly launched debut single ‘Ixhadi’ in an Eastern Cape tour set to take place in late July.

Mbengo who hails from Komani is a multi-talented vocal coach, a music producer and a pianist who has worked in different genres of music.

Speaking to The Rep Mbengo said the song narrates the immovable strength and support of his wife, who is always behind his efforts. He added that in one way or the other people are all products of the strength of the women in their lives. “Behind every successful man there is a woman. The song tells a story of my own struggle and challenges I have come across as a father and husband trying to provide for his family. Women play a major role in our lives and I believe credit should be directed to them. I believe the song will find a place in the hearts of many South Africans as many will relate to it.”

Mbengo, who is also a social activist, says he often uses music to highlight social injustice. His work includes ‘Dream on’ and ‘Umnkile u-Mandela’ compositions which were performed at the University of Fort Hare during competitions of the South African Tertiary Institutions Choral Association in 2014. His other jazz compositions and arrangements of ‘uGatyeni and ‘Ndocinga ngawe’ which were performed by One on One and Rhythmic Clique received many public votes and a top five vote in the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and Cape Town Jazz International festival competitions in 2016 and 2017.

Mbengi said he had coached three choirs which had advanced to four national championships and has written work for Musa Ngqungwana, a South African opera singer based in Europe. have recently finished a classical musical tribute to the late Dr Makhaya Mjana, a South African choral stalwart and have worked with South African multi award afro centric and afro pop sensation Ntando Bangani on a project which scooped him an award of recognition as the best songwriter hosted by the Department of Recreation, Arts and Culture. I have been invited to write for the likes of Vusi Nova, Phinda Mtya, Simphiwe Dana which are all music award winners.”

In a recent interview with Umhlobo Wenene FM, Mbengo acknowledged the support and the amazing response that his new single ‘Ixhadi’ had received. He said the song got over 5 000 votes in less than 15 seconds of airing. “I always try to do my best because people believe there is more to my music. Mbengo will promote the song in East London, Port Elizabeth, Komani and Alice. It will be available in digital stores and can be streamed online.

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