KHISIMUSI
- CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA

"Christmas Carols that are unmistakably African in tone, rhythm and syncopation"

Khisimusi - Christmas in Africa

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  1. NKULUNGWANA HI DZONGA
    People of the South - Ululate and Rejoice with Jubilation! Welcome Mary’s Son, the Saviour of the world. Born not in a luxurious hospital, but in a manger.
  2. KHISIMUSI
    FEATURING PHIL COX - PICCOLO TRUMPET Christmas heralds the birth of Christ the Son, the deliverer. The glorious holiness of heaven has descended on the earth. Hallelujah unto Jehovah!
  3. TINTLHARI TA LE VUXENI
    Wise Men from the East. Guided by a star praising Jehovah God, they hasten to Bethlehem to pay homage to the Saviour.
  4. XIKWEMBU XI RHANDZILE MISAVA SWONGHASI
    For God so Loved the World that He Gave His One and Only Son. (John 3:16)
  5. EMILAMBYENI YA BABELONA
    By the Rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion, whilst our torturers sadistically provoked us. But we did not forget Jerusalem!
  6. KUTANI VARISI VA TSUTSUMA
    And Then the Shepherds Ran to Bethlehem to worship the newborn King, the Saviour of humanity. So did the wise men from the east.
  7. MUPONISI, YESU WANGA
    Jesus, My Saviour. I thank you, hallelujah, amen. Son of God you came to the world to save me from the devil and death. I am now saved and fear nothing.
  8. THE LORD’S PRAYER
    The english version of ‘Xikhongelo Xa Hosi’, as translated by Dr RJ Khoza.
  9. TANANI VAMAKWERHU
    Come Over Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us praise the Saviour, born in our midst.
  10. A HI DZUNISENI XIKWEMBU XA HINA
    Let Us Praise Our God, the God of love. For God so loved the world... (John 3:16).
  11. VUKRISTE BYA RIRHANDZU
    Christian Love and perfect harmony, likened to the parts of the body in sync. Let the Spirit of love dwell in us. Amen.
  12. TA LWANDLE LE’RO TSHWUKA
    Legend of the Red Sea. Moses leads the children out of bondage in Egypt. The Egyptian army pursue them. Jehovah enables them to mysteriously cross the Red Sea on “dry land”. The Egyptian army follows only to be swallowed by the waves, ordered by Jehovah.
  13. A HI HLULEN’ LE’SWO BIHA
    Let Us Defeat Evil by doing good. Harbour neither hatred nor vengeance.
  14. YESU MURHANDZIWA WANGA
    Jesus My Beloved One. I want to follow You, You are the way, the truth and the life. Guide me.
  15. KU KATEKILE SWISIWANA EMOYENI
    Blessed are the Poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (The Beatitudes).
  16. MBILU YA VUNENE
    A kind, Pure Heart - where can one fi nd such a heart? It can only come from above.
  17. HI KU KHONGELA TIVISANI YEHOVA
    Through Prayer, Inform Jehovah about your needs. Beseech and be grateful. God will oblige. Amen.
  18. HI FANELE KU RHANDZANA
    We Need to Love One Another. Unless we do that all is in vain. So says the book of God.
  19. VUNYINGI BYA VAKUTSURIWA
    Multitudes of the Saved, dressed in white, glorifying Jehovah.
  20. NDZI NAVELA EKAYA RA LE HENHLA
    I Yearn for My Heavenly Home, there to dwell with Jesus, where everything will stay new in everlasting peace. Whilst on earth I will worship Jehovah.

 

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ABOUT 'KHISIMUSI - CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA'

BY DR SHALATI JOSEPH KHOSA (SJ)

The socio-cultural milieu in which Shalati Joseph Khosa grew up can be described as traditional Christian and music loving, abounding with folklore and often given to story telling, generous in its conception of kinship and imbued with a deep sense of culture.

It is widely accepted that SJ Khosa, musical prodigy turned legend, had, by the time of his demise in 2013, at the age of 77 years, composed well over 800 songs. What is perhaps less well known is that no less than 75 of those songs were in fact hymns based on Christian themes and popular passages from both the Old and New Testaments, predominantly the latter.

This album is a collection of original Christmas carols that are unmistakably African in tone, rhythm and syncopation. The title track ‘Khisimusi’ (‘Christmas’ in Xitsonga), has been translated into english by myself - SJ’s clansman and brother by choice. It would be no exaggeration to claim that the Christmas carol ‘Joy to the World’ fi nds its match in ‘Nkulungwana Hi Dzonga’ (You people of the south, rejoice for unto you a Saviour is born). For good measure, these African Christmas carols are interspersed with hymns based on powerful biblical themes such as the legend of the parting of the Red Sea (‘Ta Lwandle Le’ro Tshwuka’); the Israelites longing to return to Jerusalem by the rivers of Babylon (‘Emilambyeni Ya Babelona’); and to crown it all - ‘The Lord’s Prayer’.

Listening to this collection, particularly ‘Ndzi Navela eKaya Ra Le Henhla’ (I am Yearning for My Heavenly Home), one can appreciate in depth SJ Khosa’s final life episode. Lying on his death bed, Xingwavila – his last born daughter, offered to soothe him with Handel’s Water Music, which he cherished. His response? “Relax dear daughter, I am now listen-ing to marvellous heavenly melodies.”

Dr Reuel J Khoza

Brothers in Music, Brothers by Choice, Choice Brothers!

GAUTENG CHORISTERS

Built on the foundation of excellence since its inception in 1988, the Gauteng Choristers have become a cornerstone of choral music in South Africa, having garnered numerous National Championship crowns at the National Choir Festival and other competitions. The choir has toured internationally and has many acclaimed performances of works by African composers including Khumalo’s epic cantata ‘uShaka’, as well as works from the classical repertoire such as the Mozart Requiem in D minor. In its quest to diversify its musical activities, the choir has performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Pretty Yende, Andrea Bocelli, Sibongile Khumalo, The Parlotones, Karen Zoid and Renée Fleming. The choir takes the development of its choristers seriously, most of whom are young and from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is evidenced by the fact that some have graduated with music degrees from South Africa’s leading universities.

Sopranos: Primrose Bandla, Thembi Molotsi, Siphiwe Mabuza, Tseki Moloi, Nombeko Stemela, Lerato Mofokeng

Altos: Pearl Mogodi, Buyi Masikane, Yondela Mlambo, Noqhawe Kanada, Makiwe Mgilana, Phathiswa Vuke, Ruth Serakwane

Tenors: Kholisa Bulo, Mandla Zulu, Sizwe Nkwanyana, Sizwe Dlamini, Patrick Lekala, Nkosinomusa Ndlovu, Mduduzi Mkhwanazi, Mokhuoa Molete, Makhosonke Tshabalala, Percy

Macheke

Basses: Molemohi Tjemolane, Sibusiso Thabethe, Chris Mipi, Mdu Ntetha, Bubu Zwane, Wine Zitha, Morgan Sefamela, Lebohang Hlalele, Abraham Legodi, Frank Mamhare, Lwazi Dlamini

SIDWELL MHLONGU - CONDUCTOR

Since 2000 Maestro Sidwell Mhlongu has lead the Gauteng Choristers to 3 National Championship crowns at the National Choir Festival. International performances include Prof. JZM Khumalo’s epic cantata, ‘UShaka’ in Europe and Chicago (Ravinia Festival), a concert version of the opera ‘Porgy & Bess’ in Switzerland, Netherlands and Italy as well as a 125 voice and string ensemble at The Royal Festival Hall in London. He conducted the Gauteng Choristers & Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance of Haydn’s ‘The Creation’.

Apart from his extensive work with choirs, he also adjudicates at various Eisteddfods and choir competitions. He is currently a compiler and radio presenter of choral and classical music on SAfm, where he broadcasts live shows every weekend.

MARK CHEYNE - MUSIC ARRANGER AND PRODUCER

Since 2014 Mark Cheyne has been orchestrating and recording the music of SJ Khosa. In this time five albums have been produced with South Africa’s foremost choirs, orchestras and ensembles. Two of these have received South African Music Awards nominations in the ‘Best Instrumental/Classical’ category - ‘Mintirho ya SJ Khosa’ (KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Ochestra) and ‘And Then I Heard a Voice’ (Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society).

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Executive Producer: Dr Reuel J Khoza
Orchestra and Choir Conductor: Sidwell Mhlongu
Producer & Musical Arrangements: Mark Cheyne
Recording Engineer: Evert De Munnik
Mixed by Mark Cheyne
Recorded at Studio M1a, SABC, on 14-15 October 2017
Photography by Kutlo Masego
Album Artwork by Marc Barnard

ORCHESTRA

1st Violins: Miroslav Chakaryan, Kabelo Motlhomi, Elizabeth Roberts, Melale Mantu
2nd Violins: Evert van Niekerk, Kabelo Monnathebe, Elena Zlatokova, Waldo Alexander
Violas: Violeta Miljkovic, Kate White
Celli: Daliwonga Tshangela, Maciej Lacny
Contrabass: Nico Kruger
Flute: Helen Vosloo
Oboe: Andrew Moorosi
Clarinet: Chrisna Smith
Bassoon: Paul Rodgers, Lorin Armer
French Horn: Frik Le Roux
Trumpet: Neil Engel
Piccolo Trumpet: Phil Cox
Trombone: Etienne Mecloen
Percussion: Rudolf van Dyk
Piano: Denzil Weale
Guitar: Mouritz Lotz
Drums: David Klassen
Bass Guitar: Denny Lalouette

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Lose yourself in the enchanting musical collection of SJ Khosa - you can listen to sample music online before purchasing the CD Pack Versions.

Delivery in South Africa is offered at a fee, please contact us for international delivery options.

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Lose yourself in the enchanting musical collection of SJ Khosa - you can listen to sample music online before purchasing the digital version - either full albums or single song versions.

Matimba ya Vuyimbeleri
And then I heard a voice
Khisimusi - Christmas in Africa
Vun'we - Power of Unity
Mahlori Ya Londolozi
Mintirho Ya
mintirho-instrumental-disk1-featured-image
africa-tivule-instrumental-featured-image
Africa Celebrates Featured Image

DOWNLOAD SHEET MUSIC - ONLINE - NOW

The full musical collection of SJ Khosa - is available now as sheet music - online for FREE (Choir Score, Piano Score and Vocal Score) with full Orchestral Score available at a fee. Contact us for more information.

Matimba Ya Vuyimbeleri - Sheet Music - Details
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vunwe-power-in-unity-sheet-music-icon
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mintirho-ya-choral-disk-1-sheet-music-icon
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