Thembinkosi Nene is the bandmaster of Sediba se Fodisang church based at Dobsonville Ext. 3 Island section. They got invited to play at the MpumiMpama Foundation men’s forum event at the Zodwa Khoza community centre in Diepkloof Ext. 2 on August 17. While the brass band bellows gracious harmonies in the background, Thembinkosi relates an interesting narrative of his musical background at his grandfather’s church Joshua Kubheka in Potchefstroom during the early 1990’s.
Then in 2014 according to Thembinkosi, his dad Bhekuyise Nene, a former policeman decided to do something special for the community by injecting part of his retirement funds to empower the youth through purchasing musical instruments for the brass band. This helped them grow by playing at a number of events and in the previous year 2023, as a formality, they registered a Non-Governmental Organisation for the band.
The band has created a solid foundation for the youth, mentioned Nene. “Every weekend we go for camp with the band undergoing rehearsals.” They are currently looking for sponsorship with regards acquiring more instruments, and he relates that some get broken along their travels and they are relatively quite pricey. They wouldn’t mind used ones though, but the other challenge is with the refreshment, if they could get food sponsors for their musical activities. “There’s still a lot of youth that want to join the band and they could use help with more brass.” Enthused Nene.
Things are looking good for the bright, well-groomed red and white uniformed members, whose uniform drill is one of utmost discipline and confidence. They got the opportunity to render musical items at the start, during and closing of the conference, entertaining society’s patriarchs on the day. And boy they played! A positive outlook for the young lads, who have been redeemed from the streets! Nene dreams of his brass band one day becoming the biggest in Soweto. They are open to play at any event if invited, whether it be wedding ceremonies, tombstone unveilings, funerals, events, etc. “The more the bookings, the more we grow through your support!” concluded Thembinkosi. For bookings the contact number is; 066 218 6955.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
