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Formed in 1994; through the influence of their mother, Kwela Tebza comprises of three brothers Mpho,Tebogo and Tshepo Lerole. This trio forms a portion or rather is the most recent generation from South Africa's most recognized Kwela family that has put this genre of music (Kwela) on the map.
The pennywhistle; their trademark is what makes this talented group so distinct from the rest. Born and bred in Diepkloof Soweto, Kwela Tebza is influenced by various things from; pursuing and continuing the legacy of "KWELA MUSIC"¯ that of their father and his brother, their uncle left behind; to the influence of the country's heritage.
Kwela Music¯ originated from street corner music comprising of the pennywhistle; at times a guitar and or backing whistles would be used to enhance the sound.
The word kwela is derived from the Xhosa word meaning climb up; but how the word came about was in the 1950's when the police would shove people into their vans yelling "kwela kwela!" Later the youth ridiculed the police at the same time warning the community by chanting kwela kwela whenever they spotted police vans-.
Instrumentation:
penny whistle
Genre:
Kwela
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The art of penny whistling has been underrated as a musical expression and this is the motivation and the reason why the brothers have merely picked up from where their fore legends left off; in order to leave a legacy that future generations can be proud of.
The foundation and success of Kwela Tebza was laid way before they were even a thought to their parents' future plans.
It all began when their father, the legendary Elias "Shamba"¯ Lerole; received two pennywhistles as a Christmas present from his uncle at a tender age of ten. His brother Jack "Big Voice"¯ Lerole later joined him and they formed a musical group called Alaxander Shamba Boys. Who signed with EMI in 1957, recorded the hit Tom Hark that sold millions of copies world wide.
Though playing the penny whistle was not automatically endowed in their genes; they had to learn this rather difficult instrument; which they did and perfected this art; therefore continuing the legacy their family began.
Contact Details:
Kwela Tebza's Website
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