AND THEN I HEARD A VOICE

"S J Khosa’s musical talent found early expression and imprimatur in the church"

AND THEN I HEARD A VOICE

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ABOUT 'AND THEN I HEARD A VOICE'

BY DR SHALATI JOSEPH KHOSA (SJ)

As is the case with many talented musicians S J Khosa’s musical talent found early expression and imprimatur in the church. Initially from Canadian Assemblies of God Missionaries at Merwe; and then from the ubiquitous Swiss Missionaries who loomed so large in the then Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo) at Shingwedzi.

Later on, through Professor H W E Ntsanwini and Dr Robert (a Swiss missionary medical doctor), Shalati Joseph Khosa was to be awarded a scholarship to study Brass Band Music at Lausane in Switzerland.

I have thus far managed to collect over sixty hymns and spirituals composed by S J, a selection of which are on this disc. Some of these were composed towards the end of his life: Ndzi Navela Ekaya Ra La Hinhla (I am yearning for my Heavenly Home) and Kutani ndzi Twa Rito ri Ku: Tsala!! (And then I heard a (divine) voice saying: Write!!) have the aura of someone ready to meet his Creator.

The legendary Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society have given S J’s spirituals and hymns immensely great expression. Yours to savour and derive divine inspiration.

A sprinkling of S J’s classics such as Mintirho ya Vulavula (Deeds Speak), Matimba Ya Vuyimbeleri (The Power of Singing/Music), Famban Kahle (Fare Thee Well) and traditional songs like Tingalava ta Maputo (The Boats of Maputo) render the collection a delightful musical mosaic.

Dr Reuel J Khoza

IMILONJI KANTU CHORAL SOCIETY

The Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society was founded in Soweto in the early 1980’s during some of the most trying times in the history of South Africa. The choir emerged from humble beginnings with most of its members coming from various backgrounds in the community. For over three decades the choir has used the power of music to heal many broken souls and has earned a favourable reputation which extends internationally.

Under the baton of George Gobingca Mxadana (OIS) the Choral Society has performed throughout South Africa and abroad. Gobingca, as he is fondly known, has to his name numerous accolades for his undying love for music. The Choral Society has performed with orchestras including the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Sopranos: Nokuthula Dlamini, Mathilda Hlalele, Lebalang Khumalo, Elizabeth Mahlangu, Regina Mapaletsebe, Botsang Matabane, Bongekile Mkhithi, Jennifer Nkomo, Keamogetse Phori, Sebolelo Seleho, Duduzile Thabethe.

Contraltos: Nombuyiselo Antonio, Eunice Mafeka, Sanele Makeleni, Sindisiwe Mhlongo, Mathapelo Motloung, Ntombovuyo Mtshali, Petronella Onverwaght, Patricia Qwabe, Thando Shiule, Nomfundo Simelane.

Tenors: Samuel Khoza, Albert Kubheka, Mavuso Mabece, Joyce Moloi, Andile Ndlovu, Nomathemba Ngxola, Innocent Sibisi.

Basses: Dumisane Kumalo, Nkosana Liwali, Leslie Mofokeng, Tau Moleleki, Jacob Motloung, Thamsanqa Nkomo, Thamsanqa Qumba, Michael Shabalala.

Management Committee Members: Thandi Chaane (Chairperson) George Mxadana (OIS) (Music Director) Leonorah Khanyile (Librarian) Neo Motswagae (Marketing and Publicity) Duduzile Manala (Secretary) Temba Masilela (Treasurer) Pelma Lekhehle (Projects) Dean Xolani Dlwati (Spiritual leader)

MARK CHEYNE

Music producer & composer Mark Cheyne is one of South Africa’s most prolifi c symphonic arrangers. In 2013 he was approached by Dr Reuel Khoza to begin orchestrating and recording the musical compositions of S J Khosa. This resulted in the SAMA nominated album ‘Mintirho ya SJ Khosa’ featuring the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mark owns and runs Aaross Music, an independent music production company, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

CREDITS

Executive Producer: Dr R J Khoza
Producer: Mark Cheyne
Musical Arrangements: Mark Cheyne
Conductor: George Mxadana
Recording Engineer: Evert De Munnik
Mixed by Mark Cheyne
Mastered by Evert De Munnik
Album artwork by Marc Barnard for Red Flag Design
Recorded at SABC Studio M2, 10-11 August 2016

WORKS OF THE LATE DR SJ KHOSA BY IMILONJI KANTU CHORAL SOCIETY

The late Dr S J Khosa was a friend of Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society precisely because of how the choir handled his compositions.

Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society in its 34 years of existence took up a challenge to immortalize this great composer of our times. His sense of rhythm and syncopation was beyond any other modern composer we know of. He was able to capture the rhythmic patterns of the Tsonga people giving insight into the their musical culture, tradition and customs.

Before his passing on he seemed to concentrate more on religious themes. This recording will reveal what we have always known and are proud of - Dr S J Khosa was a very committed musician who brought to life diverse music compositions, giving a true understanding and a profound appreciation regarding Christian feelings and commitment to religious beliefs.

The orchestrations by Mark Cheyne infuse a western texture into the musical magic of Dr S J Khosa. This is a must recording of the old and new schools music competitions repertoire and we are hoping to bring these memories to our audiences.

GG Mxadana (OIS)

Music Director - Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society

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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.

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