KUJENGA

Kujenga is a Black improvised band based in Cape Town. The word ‘kujenga’ comes from the Swahili language, and it simply means “to build.” The name symbolises the band’s belief in their calling as musicians; to build and create meaningful experiences with every single listener, through their art.Kujenga follows on from the rich legacy of Black band music in South Africa, with the ensemble representing the present and future of this historic sound. The band released their debut album Nationality in 2019, and followed it with their sophomore offering In The Wake in March 2024. Kujenga’s list of achievements include being 3x nominees for the Mzansi Jazz Awards 2024, an appearance on the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans 2024 and headlining events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival & the Johannesburg Jazz In The Lights.

The magic of Kujenga lies in their ability to create off the cuff. That is their bread and butter and it is the foundation of their creative process. All things Kujenga are based on people, striving to consistently connect with the people they make the music for.

” I’ve been thinking about this term, ‘people music’ or ‘making music for people’. I believe that’s what we make, we make ‘people music’. And, you know ‘people music’ can only happen when you are connected to people. We’re not algorithms. We do not make songs that sound good for playlists or whatever sort of content-producing machine. We make music that’s connected to something in our lives; our personal lives.”

Currently, the horn section consists of Tamzyn Freeks on trombone, Bonga Mosola on trumpet, and Matthew Rightford on saxophone. The formation is completed by Owethu Ndwandwe on keys, Thane Smith on guitar and Zwide Ndwandwe on Bass.