DUMZA MASWANA PRESENTS THE UMNGQUNGQO ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE
Umngqungqo Orchestral Experience: A Majestic Fusion of African Storytelling, Jazz, and Orchestral Grandeur at The Market Theatre
By Simon Manda
Johannesburg, South Africa – After two triumphant years of sold-out performances across the Eastern Cape, the Umngqungqo Orchestral Experience makes its Johannesburg debut on 18 October 2025, bringing a symphonic celebration of African heritage to the legendary Market Theatre.
For celebrated vocalist and cultural ambassador Dumza Maswana, this performance holds a deeply personal significance. The Market Theatre, founded in 1976 by Mannie Manim and Barney Simon, stands as one of South Africa’s most significant cultural landmarks – internationally recognised as the “Theatre of Struggle” for its courageous anti-apartheid productions. It is a stage where the nation’s most revered artists have performed, and where Dumza himself sang a decade ago for President Thabo Mbeki’s birthday celebration and the Tribute to Victor Ntoni show.
“Performing in Jozi is like coming home,” says Dumza, who spent 16 formative years in Johannesburg before returning to the Eastern Cape. “It’s where my dreams took root, and where so many of my musical heroes inspired me to find my own voice.”
Victor Ntoni, the legendary jazz bassist, composer and arranger who passed away in 2013, remains one of Dumza’s greatest inspirations. Born in Langa, Cape Town, in 1947, Ntoni’s extraordinary career saw him collaborate with jazz titans including Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim and even perform with American legend Dave Brubeck. His compositions captured the essence of township culture, fusing traditional South African jazz with indigenous sounds – a legacy that resonates powerfully in Dumza’s own musical journey.
“In Bo Vic’s voice, I found my voice,” Dumza reflects. “His music taught me that indigenous sounds and jazz could create something transcendent – something that speaks across generations.”
This philosophy sits at the heart of Umngqungqo, meaning “rhythmic dance” or “heartbeat” in isiXhosa. The experience weaves together material from Dumza’s two celebrated albums and his forthcoming release, creating a tapestry of isiXhosa indigenous music and jazz. Under the musical direction of conductor and trumpeter Sakhile Simani and pianist Mthokozisi Mabuza, a 20-piece orchestra and choir will transform these intimate compositions into sweeping, cinematic arrangements.
Following its ninth staging – a spectacular performance at this year’s National Arts Festival in Makhanda with a 60-piece ensemble – Umngqungqo Orchestral Experience now arrives at the Market Theatre with a promise of grandeur, intimacy, and cultural pride. This year’s theme, African Royalty, invites audiences to embrace the beauty of African heritage through music, storytelling, and fashion.
“I believe my music transcends age boundaries,” Dumza explains. “By blending indigenous sounds with jazz and other genres, I create something both amplified and timeless. As a musician, I’m not just performing – I’m redefining cultural conversations, reliving memories both ancient and personal through storytelling, song, and the richness of our oral traditions. This resonates with people of all ages.”
Audiences attend Dumza Maswana’s performances not only for the extraordinary musicianship and storytelling but also to witness the magnificent spectacle of African elegance. The Johannesburg staging promises to be no exception – a feast for the eyes, ears, and spirit, where the red carpet will come alive with the splendour of African royalty.
The Market Theatre, with its remarkable history of hosting groundbreaking works including Woza Albert, Asinamali, and premieres of Athol Fugard’s award-winning dramas, provides the perfect setting for this homecoming celebration. It is a venue where art has always been a weapon for change, where stories have sparked revolutions, and where South Africa’s cultural giants have left indelible marks.
“One thing about the Umngqungqo Orchestral Experience is that every year and in every concert, people truly embrace the theme,” says Dumza. “This year we are celebrating three years of this journey, and already Johannesburg is leading ticket sales. I can’t wait to see how the African Royalty red carpet will look in a city with such a rich mix of cultures.”
This is more than a concert. This is a cultural homecoming, a celebration of identity, and a bold affirmation of African excellence in all its royal splendour.
The Umngqungqo Orchestral Experience Details:
Johannesburg Performance
Date: 18 October 2025
Venue: Market Theatre, Newtown, Johannesburg
Tickets: UUMNGQUNGQO ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE MARKET THEATRE
Gqeberha Performance
Date: 4 October 2025
Venue: Opera House, Gqeberha
Tickets: UMNGQUNGQO ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE GQEBERHA
Proudly supported by Concerts SA and Chumile Travel & Tours
