The band Maisha (which means “Life” in Swahili) is hot on the gig trail in and around KZN. The name “Maisha” comes from one of the first songs the band started performing that Tresor had written about life in Africa. The band thought it was an excellent name for themselves and hence the name “Maisha” was born in January 2008. The band stands for promoting good will, peace, understanding and harmony amongst all of the peoples of Africa, by creating music that is relevant as well as listenable to a wide audience crossing several genres of music in the process.
The band consists of 7 members from various genres of music. Maisha’s music is of the World style and ranges from Afro ballads to more up-tempo rhythmic songs that are guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing. Songs are sung in English, Zulu, Swahili and French and cover topics very relevant to South African and African life at present. The message that Maisha brings is to promote “Life” which is a direct interpretation of the band name itself.
Short facts:
Maisha is a multi-cultural group
The music is a mix of World, Jazz, Blues Rock & Folk Fusion
MAISHA performs in English, Zulu, French and Swahili
The Music is original and contemporary
The music has a message of Peace, Love, Understanding and Harmony amongst al
In the short time MAISHA has been together, there list of achievements include:
Opened up on the main stage at Splashy Fen 2008;
Played at many venues in and around Durban and always get called back
Venues include Moya, U’Shaka Marine World – Upper Deck, Tastes for Africa, The Willowvale Hotel, The Jazzy Rainbow, Scaramouch, The Free Zimbabwe Concert, Zacks Wilsons Wharf, The Firken
Have been interviewed by SABC2 for the program ARTCHA (aired in July);
Have been interviewed and photographed by local newspapers and featured several times already;
Have a single being mixed and mastered in Chicago by Bjorn Thorsrud (of Smashing Pumpkins, Sinead O’connor, and many others fame);
Have been selected as the band to perform on the pilot episode for a documentary called “Strummin’ the Rails” being filmed by a New York film maker in July 2008.
Have been selected by Stealing Love Jones to start performing collaborative performances from now onwards. Stealing Love Jones have also selected one of our songs “Stop the War” to feature as a hidden track on their forthcoming album which is being released in the USA and SA later this year;
BAND MEMBERS
Khulekani Zondi is qualified in Traditional Music from UKZN and grew up in and around Westville. Khulekani has produced some incredible artists and is well known for his musical talents with the likes of Renegade, Intanantla and Zah to name a few. He is also an accomplished videographer and brings a style of keyboards to the sounds of Maisha that adds a fresh dimension to the vibe of the music. Khulekani heads up eMamba music that provides music services to all genres of music within South Africa, be it, Hip Hop, Kwaito, Maskanda, Rock or Pop. He is also a keen song-writer.
Rob Nichols
owns Face Studios and has been playing guitar in and around Durban for a number of years with various rock bands. Maisha is a new venture and style for Rod but one that he is embracing with open arms. Rod plays Lead Guitar and manages for the band and also writes some of the band’s material.
Simon Cox
is the newest member to the band, who played with bands in the UK prior to emigrating to SA. He is a professional cabinet maker by trade. Simon brings a great attitude to the band and has had a positive influence on the music and style of what Maisha is all about, providing the solid drumming needed in a band that is all about Rhythm.
Bongani Maduna
plays bass like no other. His style, timing, skill is incredible and he bring a huge amount of influence and fun to the band. His background includes ALL of the musical styles of South Africa and plays a mean Maskanda guitar as well.
Trynity Silk
is without doubt the fairest prettiest and sometimes noisiest member of Maisha. She is currently studying to be an actress at UKZN. Trynity has a style all of her own and provides the brass so needed in the band. Trynity has played with some well known bands around Durban, and is a major and asset to Maisha.
Jon Pimento
really loves percussion, he lives, works, sleeps and makes percussion happen wherever he is. Jon runs the Drum Shack at the Stables Market and brings a solid rhythm to a band that if anything is Rhythm.
