Azah Mphago
Musician, Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Sonic Healer, Cultural Activist and Theatre Maker.
"We aim to immerse ourselves in music until the very act of playing fades away, leaving behind only the journey of self-improvement"
Azah Mphago is a Pan African composer, music director, and multi-instrumentalist known for his diverse talents and cultural activism. Born in South Africa's jazz capital, Mamelodi, Azah's journey with music began at an early age, deeply rooted in his township's rich cultural heritage.
Notable Performances:
Azah has collaborated with Australian musician Tiki Tiiane at the Womad festival and with the Chinese Guangdong Cantonese Orchestra Folk Troupe at the Moshito Festival. He has also performed at international events such as the Bushfire Festival in Swaziland/Eswatini and the Fête de la Musique. As a Cultural Ambassador, Azah made a lasting impression during the India-South Africa Tour, notably at Delhi University.
Azah foundation
Celebrates Azah through a social cohesion festival taking place annually in his hometown of Mamelodi, called A.M.A.S.S (Azah Mphago Annual Spring Shindig) which produces the festival called Malombe Heritage Festival.
Philosophy and Vision:
Azah believes that as a creative practitioner the arts holds at its core the mandate to reflect society, to make the comfortable accountable and the uncomfortable comforted using the drum as the instruments of our liberation, changing the world one heartbeat at a time.
His versatile, spiritually captivating and all-encompassing musical sound is a confluence of African traditional music, spiritual jazz, afro-oriental funk rock, avant-garde and world music with cadencies that weaves past sonic memory with afro-futuristic identity.
Highlights:
01.
Versatile Musician:
Renowned for his percussion skills, Azah has collaborated with world-class artists and toured extensively across continents, infusing classical and indigenous instruments into his eclectic compositions.
02.
Award-Winning Albums:
Azah’s debut album “Batswadi” and his recent release “Ngoma dza Mapungubwe” have garnered critical acclaim, blending ancestral sounds with contemporary rhythms.
03.
Artistic Ventures:
Beyond music, Azah has ventured into theatre, film, and environmental activism. He’s composed scores for various productions, including acclaimed plays and documentaries.
04.
Cultural Ambassador:
Azah’s performances span prestigious festivals like WOMAD and collaborations with renowned artists worldwide. He’s been a cultural ambassador, representing Africa’s vibrant music scene on global stages.
01
Spiritual Healing and Mentorship:
Using music as a tool for spiritual awakening and personal growth.
02
Cultural Education:
Providing workshops and lectures on African heritage and indigenous knowledge systems.
03
Drumming Circles and Leadership Programs:
Fostering community engagement and leadership skills through music.
04
Stage Performance, Music & Theatre Film Production:
Creating immersive experiences that blend music, storytelling, and visual arts to bridge cultural divide.