JHB AND KZN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRAS COLLABORATE WITH JUST JINJER TO CELEBRATE MANDELA DAY
WATCH VIDEO HERE: HERE
South Africa, Johannesburg, 17 July 2020 – The Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras have collaborated with internationally acclaimed South African rock group, Just Jinjer, to present a new orchestral rendition of ‘What He Means. This song was originally released in 2006 and performed live at the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert. The orchestral arrangement is by Eddie Clayton.
Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of both the JHB and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Just Jinjer on this important day. Mandela Day provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on his life and to promote his legacy of selfless giving. In particular, I was moved by the power and the lyrics of this song which emphasise the importance of peace, love and tolerance in society. Indeed, as South Africans collectively fight this global pandemic of COVID-19, we need faith, light and hope.”
Just Jinjer remains one of South Africa’s top selling rock bands. Over the last decade, the band has performed and toured with U2, Counting Crows, and Def Leppard among many others, and have released six critically acclaimed albums. The band’s debut album, All Comes Round, became the best-selling rock album in South African history. Their second album, Something for Now, was certified gold in only three weeks from release. Both albums achieved platinum status.
‘’We are stoked to have collaborated with the JHB and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras for this special tribute to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by our former President Nelson Mandela, who played such an important role in bringing peace to our beautiful country and also inspired many other nations all over the world to follow in his footsteps. His legacy will continue to live forever’’. said Ard Matthews, vocals and acoustic guitar – Just Jinjer.
The celebration of Nelson Mandela Day recognises and gives credence to Nelson Mandela’s commitment to human rights, conflict resolution and reconciliation. The musicians from the JHB and KZN Philharmonic Orchestras collaborated for this special tribute for Mandela Day, each recording their own performance from their various homes throughout Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with Just Jinjer doing a recording in a studio in Johannesburg.
‘’We hope that sharing our talent with the people of South Africa will uplift their spirits during this difficult time and encourage collaboration and compassion”, concludes Bongani Tembe.
Click here to view LINK What He Means with Just Jinjer and the Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras.
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About Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra
The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is a non-for-profit Section 30 company and a public benefit organisation which was originally formed in May 2000 following the demise of the National Symphony Orchestra. The JPO went into business rescue in 2012, however, it was relaunched in August 2017 with a revitalised vision, a new brand identity and a diverse board of directors which is comprised of captains of industry and credible community leaders. The board is chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke, with Bongani Tembe, as the Chief Executive and Artistic Director. The relaunch of the JPO affirmed the organisation’s aspiration to be internationally recognised for its artistic excellence, innovation, education initiatives and community engagement programmes. Website
About KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra
The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra is a not-for-profit company and a public benefit organisation, with a committed board of directors consisting of prominent business people and community leaders. The Orchestra is chaired by business luminary, Mr Saki Macozoma, and ably led, for the past 25 years, by Mr Bongani Tembe, an accomplished Juilliard School trained singer and distinguished arts manager. Mr Tembe’s strong vision fosters high artistic values and a commitment to engaging with the diverse communities of South Africa. A comprehensive education, development and community engagement programme exposes more than 30,000 urban and township learners per year to music educational concerts, whilst the Orchestra also part of the year in the rural areas working with local schools and communities. In addition, the Orchestra presents its flagship World Symphony Series (WSS), which features four Seasons of symphony concerts at the Durban City Hall and the Playhouse Opera Theatre. Website