The Mambo Project Celebrates African Heritage Through Soulful Music

Afropop group The Mambo Project is advocating South Africa’s musical heritage.

The group from KwaZulu-Natal consists of Noluthando Msomi, Nhlakanipho Cele, Mzolisi Cokoto, Thandanani Gasa and Aphendulwa Nyezi.

After the release of their latest song Thandanani, Msomi spoke to TshisaLIVE about their shared passion for African identity, spirituality and choral singing.

“We made our debut in June with our Afrobeat single Dance With Me, followed by Tribes, and have since released two Afrohouse tracks, Bathethelele featuring Mzoel and The Calling featuring Noluh, and Umoya featuring Nhlakinpho soloists from the group.”

Thandanani  is groovy and inspirational. They felt the song already existed in the spirit realm and all they had to do was to connect and bring it to life vocally and lyrically.

“The chorus advocates for exactly that, loving each other so there may be peace among us. Additionally, the song is more than a melody, it is a chant, intentionally arranged with a vigorous conviction that seeks to drill the message powerfully,” Cele said.

Cele added love is a theme they found naturally easy to connect with as artists.

“We have so much love for each other, for music and for our society. Therefore, a song like Thandanani resonates with us deeply on many levels. The song imagines a utopia where there is harmony within people from different walks of life and peace. We live in a turbulent country struggling with many social ills, so advocating love is our small artistic contribution towards a moral regeneration for our society.”