A Detribalised Urban Population

Artist: Mduduzi Kheswa

Title: A Detribalised Urban Population

Release Date: Aug 13, 2023

Non-Airable Track: None

Label: 168 Prosperity Drive

Track

A Detribalised Urban Population

Runtime: 3minutes 51sec

A work of cunning workmanship! Mduduzi has outdone himself in this single entitled A Detribalised Urban Population.

With the drum beat thumping on a four-on-the-floor, congas filling in behind it, whistles and an enchanting vocal sample, the melody sets up an Afro-Bop feel to this amazing composition, giving it a truly impressive traditional mood.

It is without a doubt an acoustic setting, compliments of the double bass riff that drives one to a hypnotic state, in this way allowing messaging to take over in a subtle manner. Mduduzi Kheswa's ideas, especially about an African culture that is now slowly dying, can be felt through out this piece of music as it is evident in his artwork.

So, if you are into music that is laid back, engaging and with a thought provoking story behind it, this is a track for you. A Detribalised Urban Population!

 

Knowing the Value of What We Have

Artist: Mduduzi Kheswa
Title: Knowing the Value of What We Have
Release Date: Sep 22, 2021
Non-Airable Tracks: None
Label: 168 Prosperity Drive

Tracks
Knowing the Value of What We Have, 
Joy at Bheki's Joint, Ubuhle Bakho, 
Vukani Bakithi and Those Were the Times

Runtime: 18 minutes

More like in book or novel writing, Mduduzi Kheswa's style of entitling his works is no different. Knowing the Value of What We Have is no exception to the case. What really inspires this is an interesting story.

According to Mduduzi the inspiration behind his titles and musical outlook is drawn from life experiences  and what he considers to be important moral standards. i.e, love, truth, fairness, knowledge, logic, respect and honor or the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right. Period! With this picture in his mind, he says, it was easy putting together the musical or creative aspect of this album and that of the intended audience.

Of course, his writing style - a mixture of Afro-Cuban elements with contemporary Jazz - when it comes to compositions, is no different from his previous works. The 'delivery of messages contained in his music is of utmost importance than the display or demonstration of technique', he noted with pride. In Joy at Bheki's Joint, a tribute to Bheki Mseleku, a legendary pianist and composer and who is quoted at the beginning of this exceptional piece, says a lot about the mood of this album.

A sense of calm or ease is felt through out the album. Truly, a yearning to resolve or finding home that is also depicted in his artwork!  

 

For the love of writing

About The Composer

Genre: Jazz, World, Fusion

Influences: Joe Zawinul, George Duke and Bheki Mseleku

Equipment: Midi Controller, Speakers, Scarlett 2i4 Soundcard, Reason

Home Town: Umlazi, South Africa

Label: 168 Prosperity Drive (Pty) Ltd

For most artists, entering the professional realm of the arts, especially music, mean participating as performer, i.e., as an instrumentalist or vocalist. Indeed, for me in my youth, the 80’s were a favorable time with a lot of bands, clubs, tours and festivals. You wanted to be an artist. But when my love for writing started and what inspired me to focus on it is a wonderful story.

Exposure to multi-track recording

It was a day like any other way back in 1998, but it was a day the candle was lit in my ongoing journey as an artist and composer. My friend, an audio engineer, Brent Moses walked into the room that I rented in Soweto with a couple of disks and said: “I brought you these programs to install in your computer.” My first keyboard, the Korg M1 which had a built-in 8 track sequencer, was indeed a great starting point of exposure and exploration. But, the advantage of unlimited tracks, sound libraries audio editing and functions that came with these sequencers and other programs was an introduction to a totally new experience and my newly found love.

Building a catalog of songs

I had to work hard to learn these multi-track recording software and editors, thanks to the time I had then, as I was a not frequently booked artist. I used to spend about 14 hrs to something like 18 hrs before the computer, every day! The routine was a simple and an all inclusive one; learning keyboard skills, audio sequencing basics, and even finding time to try out writing or composing arrangements. It is important to note that from these arrangements developed a catalog of songs with a potential for growth and which were to be recorded by prominent artists in the future. And that future came sooner than I had anticipated.

On published songs

One of my songs, Indaba, was selected by Jabu Khanyile and was included in his album Umathimula that year of 1998. I realized that there was a huge opportunity for exposure among writers or composers who don’t have a history. And this was a great moral boost and led me to believe that dedication and hard work really pays off.

Discovering a new pathway

Three years later, with a catalog which was growing by day, I secured another placement on Themba Mkhize’s Lost and Found album (2001). Not like with the recording of Indaba, the recording and preparation of Konke presented a different and new approach altogether. I had to submit a complete, sequenced composition. I remember this haunting experience very well. Haunting in that I was not used to working in big studios. But what frustrated me even more was that, on the first session, the addition percussion sample in my song was not ‘in sync’, as Richard Mitchell who mixed and mastered the album said. “You play like Eumir Deodato. Don’t worry, I will edit the sample at home later or find a matching one”, he went on. I had an amazing day the next day of finalizing the song. This was like the opening of the floodgates to a new path. Writing.

Seeking a recording deal

Though I would find gigs with my regular artists now and then, my commitment to writing and sequencing grew with every achievement and or comment I would get. I loved every moment. The next horizon for my vision was securing a recording deal with major record labels of the time. I thought this would expand my activity as a writer or composer. Around the year 2003 I started sending demo tapes to a couple of labels with no success. A polite ‘this is not what we are looking for’ was both satisfying and encouraging to me. I continued pitching songs directly to recording artists I knew as I wanted my music to be heard and be used. Those attempts failed too, but what I gained instead were relationships that are still important in shaping my career as an artist even today.

Pursuing knowledge

At this time, in 2014, I had little knowledge of a new way of thinking about the music industry and its pathways. I started exploring fresh possibilities; reflecting on where my musical skills could be used and how I could connect with a wider audience in this forever-transforming industry. I learned that there is an increasing demand for music making. Thus, I assumed a new approach to writing. Thanks to the miniaturization of music making and the birth of the home business, I still continue licensing my works through a couple of service providers, co-writing with other artists and also releasing some under my name as an artist.

Looking back in time, what I want to cherish and be grateful for are those good people who shared their knowledge, their resources and time trying to help me. Those little gestures that say to me: “Qhubeka. Keep writing!”

 

Restoration Now

Artist: Mduduzi Kheswa
Title: Restoration Now
Release Date: Nov 11, 2020
Non-Airable Tracks: None
Label: 168 Prosperity Drive 


Tracks
Restoration Now, Holding On, 

Divine Guidance and Mabawele Ngoxolo

Total Listening Time: 15 min 48 sec

Introducing Restoration Now! This is the latest release by Mduduzi Kheswa. With a distinct  sound and positive messaging, Restoration Now adds an amazing value to your collection and musical experience.

Here, Mduduzi Kheswa has certainly positioned himself well as a creative Progressive Jazz composer and artist. Much like his debut album Asking Forgiveness, this EP of four tracks will have you captivated by Mduduzi Kheswa's dedication as displayed in his unique style of writing, arranging and playing. 

The first track Restoration Now, a hybrid-orchestral influenced tune, is a true example of such uniqueness, elegance and excellence.This musical experience would not be complete without the titles and artwork which effectively enhance the spiritual aspect of this incredible EP. 

Restoration Now is without a doubt an album that’s not to be ignored. 

 

Mduduzi Kheswa: Press Kit

About The Composer

Genre: Jazz, World, Fusion

Influences: Joe Zawinul, George Duke and Bheki Mseleku

Equipment: Midi Controller, Speakers, Scarlett 2i4 Soundcard, Reason

Home Town: Umlazi, South Africa

Record Label: 168 Prosperity Drive (Pty) Ltd

With Groups and Artists

Busi Mhlongo and Twasa: Ababhemu

Jabu Khanyile and Bayete: Umathimula and The Prince

Letta Mbulu: Culani Nami

Themba Mkhize: Lost and Found

Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu: Music in the Air Live in Concert

 

“This was to be the first of many important changes for me as artist, writer and producer in many years.” 

Story

Mduduzi Kheswa was born in Umlazi Township in South Africa. His

earliest musical memory is of traditional dancing and playing guitar.

The guitar was homemade: a 5 liter tin, wood and fish gut or tyre

tube.

At the age of 14, Mduduzi started appearing with local groups and

musicians like Bongi Shabane, The Goings, Bongani Sokhela,

Mandla Zikalala and Stax, to mention a few, at events in eThekwini

and the surrounding areas. He was exposed to many different kinds

of music—gospel, pop, traditional and jazz fusion. “This period

was crucial in the formation of my musical outlook”, he notes with

great joy.

In 1985 Mduduzi headed for Gauteng to join a pop outfit, Casino.

There he met the great musicians of the time. He took part in the

“The Unfinished Story Tour” of South Africa, sharing the stage with

the worldʼs renowned like Stimela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo,

Lucky Dube and many others. This was the time of nightclubs,

festivals, road shows and political unrest in most townships and

rural areas. He then left Gauteng to concentrate on perfecting his

keyboard playing technique and to further his education in

eThekwini in 1987.

While on a short encounter with Sakhile - a jazz fusion outfit of the

“Mantombi” fame - Mduduzi was introduced to music reading and

writing, and jazz music by Khaya Mahlangu, one of the founder

members of the band. He recalls of this experience: “Iʼm so grateful

to God for making that awesome coincidence occur in this lifetime.”

In 1990 he joined Sarafina and toured Canada and America. The

following year Mduduzi then teamed up with Busi Mhlongo and

Twasa, and in 1993 the band cut a CD named “Ababhemu” which

saw them travelling to the Netherlands, UK, Germany and Switzerland.

Getting back to Gauteng in 1995 opened even more opportunities

for him. For the following ten years Mduduzi performed and

recorded with prominent names and productions in the

entertainment industry. These include The Shell Road to Fame, Vusi

Khumalo, Jabu Khanyile and Bayete, The Daughter of Nebo,

Themba Mkhize, Geoff Mapaya, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu,

Kgomotso Moshugi, Queen Londiwe 1, Just Chilling, and many

more.

Driven by the desire to make a positive contribution to society and

pursuit of excellence, in May 2013, 168 Prosperity Drive was

founded. “The establishment of 168 Prosperity Drive was an

important step towards realizing my goals.” he said. “This was to

be the first of many important changes for me as artist, writer and

producer in many years.” He said it will primarily handle everyday

activities from writing, music production to publishing and

outreach programs and much more. Mduduzi Kheswa has recently

released his Debut Album– Asking Forgiveness (2018) - under this

name.

Throughout his career Mduduzi has learned to roll with the

punches and bounce back time and again. His remark: “Music is a

calling, and my profession encourages me to persevere and to

follow on the path of the Wise Ones of our Universe with faith and

dignity. Always.”

Testimonials

"I have known and worked with Mduduzi for 10 years. In that time, I have found him to be passionate and hard-working - his music composition and

production displays originality and extra-ordinary talent. Despite this, he is very humble and it is always an absolute pleasure to work with him."

Goran Josipovic: Audio Engineer

"I had worked with Mduduzi at The Shell Road To Fame, had found him to be a good keyboard player, hard-working, very humble and pleasure to

work with."

Kenny Mathaba: Performing Artist

"Mduduzi is a very humble workaholic and talented producer. Needs a sponsor to achieved his dreams. This will also help the community."

Delani Martin Mbokazi: Client

Asking Forgiveness: A Brief Narrative

Artist: Mduduzi Kheswa
Title: Asking Forgiveness
Release Date: Aug 20, 2018
Non-Airable Tracks: None
Label: 168 Prosperity Drive 


Recommended Tracks
Hlala Ungowami, Inyakatho, 
Wide Open Hands,
and Asking Forgiveness





Asking Forgiveness. Written, performed and produced by Mduduzi Kheswa, this debut album is like ‘calm in the storm’. Here the songwriter and producer from Umlazi in South Africa blends elements of world music with contemporary jazz to create a truly impressive sound!

Asking Forgiveness takes you on a trip to your ‘inner world’: a world of beauty and compassion. Mduduzi Kheswa’s use of virtual orchestration, synthesizers and computers adds an enchanting and hypnotic ingredient to this musical experience. Featuring Kgomotso Moshugi, a lyricist and vocalist of note, Wide Open Hands is an excellent display of his unlimited abilities in arranging, composition and harmony.

His cover art is surely a suitable continuation of wonderful stories contained in his song titles and content. Stories? Yes! Stories about the value of morality, importance of unity, a need for love and so much more. Mduduzi Kheswa certainly knows how to enhance amazing stories through music in a way so elegant and soothing to the listener.

So, if you are looking for inspiration and smooth jazz listen to Asking Forgiveness by Mduduzi Kheswa today and share this awesome moment with your loved ones!