The Bush Technologists
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"Arts Alive Johannesburg 2011"

The Bush Technologists originate from the wild untamed African bush and the back streets of the UK! They are a bold daring fusion, a raw mix of musical traditions who weave roots, reels, reggae and rap with uplifting powerful results.


The Bush Technologists can take you back to your roots or catapult you into the future, daring to go where no band has gone before! Township jazz merges with Irish jigs and Celtic reels, bagpipes fuse with bass guitar. Marimba, mouthbow and clunky metal keys from a thumb piano add to the mix kicking the emotions with powerful delivery. They have been described as \\\\\\\'one of the most unusual collaborations since Blue met Stevie Wonder ‘ and refuse to rest on their roots, but take a musical inventive leap forward - Arts Alive


"Arts Alive Johannesburg 2011"

The Bush Technologists originate from the wild untamed African bush and the back streets of the UK! They are a bold daring fusion, a raw mix of musical traditions who weave roots, reels, reggae and rap with uplifting powerful results.


The Bush Technologists can take you back to your roots or catapult you into the future, daring to go where no band has gone before! Township jazz merges with Irish jigs and Celtic reels, bagpipes fuse with bass guitar. Marimba, mouthbow and clunky metal keys from a thumb piano add to the mix kicking the emotions with powerful delivery. They have been described as \\\\\\\'one of the most unusual collaborations since Blue met Stevie Wonder ‘ and refuse to rest on their roots, but take a musical inventive leap forward - Arts Alive


"Daring to go where no band has gone before"

The Bush Technologists dare to go where no band has gone before! These seven musicians from Africa, Ireland and the UK will take you on a musical journey to Africa and beyond. Bagpipes, a baked bean tin one string guitar , and a metal keyed thumb piano duet are all part of the creative mix that results in a fun packed powerful fusion of roots, reels and rhythm that have been leaving audiences shaken, stirred and shouting for more!

The Bush Technologists beat with an African heart, Celtic core and UK pulse. Using traditional weird and wonderful home grown instruments from the African bush they add a bold mix of Irish bagpipes and whistle to create a an intoxicating potent brew of memorable World Music and an unforgettable smile inducing show.

The creator of the band and show, Risenga Makondo from South Africa has performed on international stages performing for Nelson Mandela and even the Queen mother. He is joined by another veteran of the world stage, Kanda Saidi, a multi instrumentalist who makes and creates his own organic instruments.

Laughter, a good time and toe tapping rhythms are guaranteed for all ages. Risenga will work his magic, get the crowd singing, clapping or even trying a few steps of South African dance. Sit back and enjoy and let the Bush Technologists entertain. You will not be disappointed. - Night Out Rural Touring Programme


"Daring to go where no band has gone before"

The Bush Technologists dare to go where no band has gone before! These seven musicians from Africa, Ireland and the UK will take you on a musical journey to Africa and beyond. Bagpipes, a baked bean tin one string guitar , and a metal keyed thumb piano duet are all part of the creative mix that results in a fun packed powerful fusion of roots, reels and rhythm that have been leaving audiences shaken, stirred and shouting for more!

The Bush Technologists beat with an African heart, Celtic core and UK pulse. Using traditional weird and wonderful home grown instruments from the African bush they add a bold mix of Irish bagpipes and whistle to create a an intoxicating potent brew of memorable World Music and an unforgettable smile inducing show.

The creator of the band and show, Risenga Makondo from South Africa has performed on international stages performing for Nelson Mandela and even the Queen mother. He is joined by another veteran of the world stage, Kanda Saidi, a multi instrumentalist who makes and creates his own organic instruments.

Laughter, a good time and toe tapping rhythms are guaranteed for all ages. Risenga will work his magic, get the crowd singing, clapping or even trying a few steps of South African dance. Sit back and enjoy and let the Bush Technologists entertain. You will not be disappointed. - Night Out Rural Touring Programme


"Dromos Travelling Festival - The Bush Technologists"

Created by Risenga Makondo (of Amampondo fame), this percussive genius who has performed internationally for more than two decades (Alan Skidmore, Juno Reactor, and at WOMAD, Edinburgh Fringe etc) is a true master of the wild untamed African Bush.

Drawing on his South African Venda roots he uses the tools of nature, the technology of his traditions and the wisdom of worldwide bush technologists to create an organic soul stirring show and an educational journey that will take you to Africa and beyond.

The Bush Technologists have performed worldwide from Singapore to Soweto, Swaziland to the Scilly Isles, Australia to Amsterdam, Belfast to the back of beyond - Dromos


"Dromos Travelling Festival - The Bush Technologists"

Created by Risenga Makondo (of Amampondo fame), this percussive genius who has performed internationally for more than two decades (Alan Skidmore, Juno Reactor, and at WOMAD, Edinburgh Fringe etc) is a true master of the wild untamed African Bush.

Drawing on his South African Venda roots he uses the tools of nature, the technology of his traditions and the wisdom of worldwide bush technologists to create an organic soul stirring show and an educational journey that will take you to Africa and beyond.

The Bush Technologists have performed worldwide from Singapore to Soweto, Swaziland to the Scilly Isles, Australia to Amsterdam, Belfast to the back of beyond - Dromos


"The Bush Technologists - Sussex Safari"

From the African bush to the backstreets of Brighton, The Bush Technologists will take you on a sitrring musical safari delivering a fun packed, wild and wonderful show. Organic home grown instruments fuse together with keyboards, guitar, fiddle and vocals for a powerful performance. - Making Tracks Rural Touring


"The Bush Technologists - Sussex Safari"

From the African bush to the backstreets of Brighton, The Bush Technologists will take you on a sitrring musical safari delivering a fun packed, wild and wonderful show. Organic home grown instruments fuse together with keyboards, guitar, fiddle and vocals for a powerful performance. - Making Tracks Rural Touring


"Firework fusion of roots and raw energy"

Firework fusion of roots and raw energy hits city's Chapel Arts
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Thursday, March 17, 2011
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Six musicians from two continents and four countries will be delivering a powerful fusion of roots, rhythm, rap and reels at The Chapel Arts Centre, Bath, tomorrow.

The Bush Technologists, featuring founder member Risenga Makondo who lives locally, beat with an African heart, a Celtic core and a UK pulse to deliver a diverse uplifting stirring performance.

This powerful UK-based six-piece fuse the musical wisdom from Africa and beyond.

Using traditional home grown instruments from the African bush (mbira, mouthbow, marimba and ngoni's), and the wisdom of veterans from the world stage, Risenga Makondo, from South Africa and Kanda Saidi, from Tanzania, The Bush Technologists dare to go where no band has gone before.

"Our music is a result of the journey I have been on through my life," said Risenga.

"The Bush Technologists fuses cultures, traditions, rap and reggae but retains an African root.

"Our recently released CD reflects this fusion."

Risenga, from Amampondo fame, has chalked up an impeccable musical CV that has taken him around the globe and back to perform on countless international stages including Wembley, WOMAD, and Australia's Big Day Out.

Additional lead artist, Kanda Saidi has also performed on countless international stages and is a former member of Remmy Ongala band.

Kanda, a multi instrumentalist, brings his home grown, home made instruments to The Bush Technologists, and his stirring lead vocals lock the band in musical harmony as they mix together Celtic and African traditions.

They are joined by the Belfast bagpipes, Regina Whyatt, who grew up playing bagpipes on the streets of Ireland and currently performs for the University of Beds Pipe Band.

Rapper Shrapnel adds modern spitting lyrics, keyboard creations and endless energy to The Bush Technologists unusual fusion.

The band is completed by guitarist Matt King and bass player Tom Peterson.

"We give our audiences a great time," said Risenga .

"We take them on an unforgettable musical journey to Africa and beyond and leave them full up but hungry for more."

Tickets for this firework fusion of roots and raw energy cost £12 on the door - This is Bath


"Firework fusion of roots and raw energy"

Firework fusion of roots and raw energy hits city's Chapel Arts
Trusted article source icon
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Profile image for This is Bath

This is Bath
Follow

Six musicians from two continents and four countries will be delivering a powerful fusion of roots, rhythm, rap and reels at The Chapel Arts Centre, Bath, tomorrow.

The Bush Technologists, featuring founder member Risenga Makondo who lives locally, beat with an African heart, a Celtic core and a UK pulse to deliver a diverse uplifting stirring performance.

This powerful UK-based six-piece fuse the musical wisdom from Africa and beyond.

Using traditional home grown instruments from the African bush (mbira, mouthbow, marimba and ngoni's), and the wisdom of veterans from the world stage, Risenga Makondo, from South Africa and Kanda Saidi, from Tanzania, The Bush Technologists dare to go where no band has gone before.

"Our music is a result of the journey I have been on through my life," said Risenga.

"The Bush Technologists fuses cultures, traditions, rap and reggae but retains an African root.

"Our recently released CD reflects this fusion."

Risenga, from Amampondo fame, has chalked up an impeccable musical CV that has taken him around the globe and back to perform on countless international stages including Wembley, WOMAD, and Australia's Big Day Out.

Additional lead artist, Kanda Saidi has also performed on countless international stages and is a former member of Remmy Ongala band.

Kanda, a multi instrumentalist, brings his home grown, home made instruments to The Bush Technologists, and his stirring lead vocals lock the band in musical harmony as they mix together Celtic and African traditions.

They are joined by the Belfast bagpipes, Regina Whyatt, who grew up playing bagpipes on the streets of Ireland and currently performs for the University of Beds Pipe Band.

Rapper Shrapnel adds modern spitting lyrics, keyboard creations and endless energy to The Bush Technologists unusual fusion.

The band is completed by guitarist Matt King and bass player Tom Peterson.

"We give our audiences a great time," said Risenga .

"We take them on an unforgettable musical journey to Africa and beyond and leave them full up but hungry for more."

Tickets for this firework fusion of roots and raw energy cost £12 on the door - This is Bath


"The Bush Technologists - Roots, reels, rap and rhythm"

Roots, reels, rap and rhythm. This stirring 6 piece fusion beat with an African heart, Celtic core and UK pulse!

Catch them in Bath before their international performances at Johannesburg’s Arts Alive Festival.

Formed by Risenga Makondo (of Amampondo fame), this percussive genius who has performed internationally for more than two decades (Alan Skidmore, Juno Reactor, and at WOMAD, Edinburgh Fringe etc) is a true master of the wild untamed African Bush. Drawing on his South African Venda roots he uses the tools of nature, the technology of his traditions and the wisdom of worldwide bush technologists to create an organic soul stirring show that will take you on a musical journey to Africa and beyond.

He is joined by multi instrumentalist and international musician Kanda Saidi from Tanzania (Remmy Ongala fame). This dynamic duo mix their potent roots and rhythms, weave marimbas, mouthbows, clunky metal keyed thumb pianos, and homemade African tin guitars with Celtic reels and some spitting rap lyrics for an unusual, powerful celebration of sound and a feel good show that will kick the emotions, make your spirits soar.

[Bush Technologists] The Bush Technologists have performed internationally from Swaziland to Australia.

Catch their preview show before they depart for September performances in South Africa.

See their website http://www.bushtech.org/ - Chapel Arts - Bath


"Joburg Arts Alive Festival"

Joburg Arts Alive Festival gives back to residents and visitors

Put on by the Johannesburg’s Directorate of Arts, Culture and Heritage, the annual Joburg Arts Alive International Festival in September takes place at venues throughout the city with the Newtown Precinct at the heart of the month-long series of events that are either very affordable or, in many cases, free of charge.

Now in its 19th year and expected to attract over 75 000 people, the festival programme encompasses music concerts, dance and theatre productions, poetry readings, visual art, comedy, film, exhibitions and workshops.

On the music programme of Joburg Arts Alive 2011 are Arts Alive Authentic Sunday, Battle of the Drums, The Bush Technologists, Deolinda, Duelling Drums, Eldo’s Jazz Festival, Flame, Monday Blues, Reggae Night @ Bassline, Ringo Madlingozi & Alexio Kawara, Street Beat, Streetpop Sessions and Thuba Lethu’s BAS Rootz. - Joburg accomodation.org.za


"Joburg Arts Alive Festival"

Joburg Arts Alive Festival gives back to residents and visitors

Put on by the Johannesburg’s Directorate of Arts, Culture and Heritage, the annual Joburg Arts Alive International Festival in September takes place at venues throughout the city with the Newtown Precinct at the heart of the month-long series of events that are either very affordable or, in many cases, free of charge.

Now in its 19th year and expected to attract over 75 000 people, the festival programme encompasses music concerts, dance and theatre productions, poetry readings, visual art, comedy, film, exhibitions and workshops.

On the music programme of Joburg Arts Alive 2011 are Arts Alive Authentic Sunday, Battle of the Drums, The Bush Technologists, Deolinda, Duelling Drums, Eldo’s Jazz Festival, Flame, Monday Blues, Reggae Night @ Bassline, Ringo Madlingozi & Alexio Kawara, Street Beat, Streetpop Sessions and Thuba Lethu’s BAS Rootz. - Joburg accomodation.org.za


"Bush Technology"

From the South African countryside to the wilds of Lilyworld at BIG DAY OUT comes RISENGA’S BUSH TECHNOLOGY who will catapult you into an ocean of rhythms.

With an extraordinary range of music and musical instruments, Risenga Makondo straddles the diasporas from Africa to North and South America and over to Europe. Dance, drum and delight in his energy, charisma and versatility! (All shows) - Lilypad


"Shrapnel"

Mad Hatter and Shrapnel have both been performing since their early teens. Individually their CV’s are as packed as rappers’ ten years their senior; between them their work has been featured on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, as well as live in Brighton and as part of the Rising Styles hip hop festival. Widely respected for his beats, Mad Hatter has already won a Loopclash battle, and has impressed as one of Don’t Flop’s youngest rap battle winners as well as taking first place in the Hammer and Tongue Rap Slam 2009.

Shrapnel is a regular at the Slipjam B events and has raised energy levels at Poets Vs MCs and Hammer and Tongue, as well as being one of the most creative freestyle MCs you could ever hope to have in a cypher. In addition to this, he raps, plays keys and produces with his band Amandla Together they combine quality hip hop with an energy that puts most UK rap groups to shame.


- Rising Styles


"Shrapnel"

Mad Hatter and Shrapnel have both been performing since their early teens. Individually their CV’s are as packed as rappers’ ten years their senior; between them their work has been featured on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, as well as live in Brighton and as part of the Rising Styles hip hop festival. Widely respected for his beats, Mad Hatter has already won a Loopclash battle, and has impressed as one of Don’t Flop’s youngest rap battle winners as well as taking first place in the Hammer and Tongue Rap Slam 2009.

Shrapnel is a regular at the Slipjam B events and has raised energy levels at Poets Vs MCs and Hammer and Tongue, as well as being one of the most creative freestyle MCs you could ever hope to have in a cypher. In addition to this, he raps, plays keys and produces with his band Amandla Together they combine quality hip hop with an energy that puts most UK rap groups to shame.


- Rising Styles


"Risenga Makondo"

Risenga was born in the rural north of South Africa and has lived in Europe since 1988, where he studied visual and performing arts and music therapy. He is a talented and versatile percussionist and dancer who has performed around the world with artists as diverse as Amampondo, Alan Skidmore, Madosini and Benjamin Zephaniah. His own music and dance companies have performed in theatres throughout the UK and at the Edinburgh Festival, where ?Jo?burg Streets?, a fusion of South African marimba music and contemporary British dance sounds, was featured on BBC 2 ?Edinburgh Nights?.His musical talents have also entertained Nelson Mandela at his 80th birthday celebrations. He was also part of the welcoming performance for Miriam Makeba at the Royal Festival Hall, London and performed for the Five Nations Rugby Tour in South Africa. An inventive and innovative musician, Risenga plays a dazzling array of traditional African instruments including, drums, toned percussion, marimba, berimbau, mbira, horns and flutes which he collects on his travels. In addition he creates music from various objects he comes across, such as a piece of plastic pipe or an oil can, drawing on any inherent musicality they may produce. He is renowned for his open-minded approach to music and interest in musical collaboration. His enduring interests as a performing artist are how music develops as it is adopted by different cultures and the challenge of maintaining a coherent musical diversity within that development. - WOMAD


"Risenga Makondo"

Risenga was born in the rural north of South Africa and has lived in Europe since 1988, where he studied visual and performing arts and music therapy. He is a talented and versatile percussionist and dancer who has performed around the world with artists as diverse as Amampondo, Alan Skidmore, Madosini and Benjamin Zephaniah. His own music and dance companies have performed in theatres throughout the UK and at the Edinburgh Festival, where ?Jo?burg Streets?, a fusion of South African marimba music and contemporary British dance sounds, was featured on BBC 2 ?Edinburgh Nights?.His musical talents have also entertained Nelson Mandela at his 80th birthday celebrations. He was also part of the welcoming performance for Miriam Makeba at the Royal Festival Hall, London and performed for the Five Nations Rugby Tour in South Africa. An inventive and innovative musician, Risenga plays a dazzling array of traditional African instruments including, drums, toned percussion, marimba, berimbau, mbira, horns and flutes which he collects on his travels. In addition he creates music from various objects he comes across, such as a piece of plastic pipe or an oil can, drawing on any inherent musicality they may produce. He is renowned for his open-minded approach to music and interest in musical collaboration. His enduring interests as a performing artist are how music develops as it is adopted by different cultures and the challenge of maintaining a coherent musical diversity within that development. - WOMAD


"Risenga Makondo"

Risenga was born in the rural north of South Africa and has lived in Europe since 1988, where he studied visual and performing arts and music therapy. He is a talented and versatile percussionist and dancer who has performed around the world with artists as diverse as Amampondo, Alan Skidmore, Madosini and Benjamin Zephaniah. His own music and dance companies have performed in theatres throughout the UK and at the Edinburgh Festival, where ?Jo?burg Streets?, a fusion of South African marimba music and contemporary British dance sounds, was featured on BBC 2 ?Edinburgh Nights?.His musical talents have also entertained Nelson Mandela at his 80th birthday celebrations. He was also part of the welcoming performance for Miriam Makeba at the Royal Festival Hall, London and performed for the Five Nations Rugby Tour in South Africa. An inventive and innovative musician, Risenga plays a dazzling array of traditional African instruments including, drums, toned percussion, marimba, berimbau, mbira, horns and flutes which he collects on his travels. In addition he creates music from various objects he comes across, such as a piece of plastic pipe or an oil can, drawing on any inherent musicality they may produce. He is renowned for his open-minded approach to music and interest in musical collaboration. His enduring interests as a performing artist are how music develops as it is adopted by different cultures and the challenge of maintaining a coherent musical diversity within that development. - WOMAD


"Risenga Makondo"

Risenga was born in the rural north of South Africa and has lived in Europe since 1988, where he studied visual and performing arts and music therapy. He is a talented and versatile percussionist and dancer who has performed around the world with artists as diverse as Amampondo, Alan Skidmore, Madosini and Benjamin Zephaniah. His own music and dance companies have performed in theatres throughout the UK and at the Edinburgh Festival, where ?Jo?burg Streets?, a fusion of South African marimba music and contemporary British dance sounds, was featured on BBC 2 ?Edinburgh Nights?.His musical talents have also entertained Nelson Mandela at his 80th birthday celebrations. He was also part of the welcoming performance for Miriam Makeba at the Royal Festival Hall, London and performed for the Five Nations Rugby Tour in South Africa. An inventive and innovative musician, Risenga plays a dazzling array of traditional African instruments including, drums, toned percussion, marimba, berimbau, mbira, horns and flutes which he collects on his travels. In addition he creates music from various objects he comes across, such as a piece of plastic pipe or an oil can, drawing on any inherent musicality they may produce. He is renowned for his open-minded approach to music and interest in musical collaboration. His enduring interests as a performing artist are how music develops as it is adopted by different cultures and the challenge of maintaining a coherent musical diversity within that development. - WOMAD


Discography

The Bush Technologists LP
Radio airplay on BBC 3 Counties radio and BBC radio Gloucestershire.

Photos

Bio

They started in a UK basement - three musicians, two guitars, a mountain of drums and a shared passion to make music beyond the mainstream. So they chilled, composed created. Rehearsed and recharged. And as summer turned to Autumn they moved out of the basement, three became seven, African bush instruments teamed up with bagpipes, bass, kit, guitar,marimba and mbiras. The Bush Technologists were born.

Musically, they are a raw mix of musical traditions who weave home made, primeval instruments and sounds with spitting rap lyrics and solid Celtic reels pushing musical boundaries.

Using an assortment of African bush instruments ( ngoni, mouthbow, zenze, marimba ) and solid basslines they have created a unique root of 'bush and bass' that is layered with rap, reels and solid Shangaan beats.

Every band member brings their own musical and cultural DNA. Every instrument brings a journey of rhythm where bagpipes meet baked bean tin guitar, rap lyrics roll with zulu chants, traditional reels fuse with township jazz and drum 'n bass.

The Bush Technologists have a solid identity that celebrates the universal rhythm of life through the power of music.

Performances include the Arts Alive Festival in Jo'burg and countless UK and international stages.

Rehearsals are underway for a winter tour and their second CD.

The Bush Technologists are determined to take their musical DNA beyond the shores of the UK and perform throughout the world.