ngoma Yesintu

Zenzele Mthembu-Salter received a grant for the development of new music. ngoma Yesintu, which in isiZulu means “song of humanity” or “folk song”, consists of music for an a cappella ensemble with a strong focus on the voice. With subtlety and grace, Zenzele brings together six singers, double bass, and percussion, centering on vocal harmonies combined with South African grooves and rhythms. The choir is composed of talented conservatory vocalists based locally but originating from all over the world, drawing inspiration from African gospel choirs, classical chorales, traditional chants, jazz, and free improvisation.

Zenzele is a Cape Town–born, Amsterdam-based jazz bassist and composer who has established himself as a rising voice in the European jazz and improvisation scene. Currently studying jazz double bass at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he blends traditional South African rhythms—such as kwela, maskandi, and township jive—with contemporary influences from jazz, hip-hop, gospel, and house. Zenzele is the leader of the project Future Kwela, which aims to reinterpret South African musical heritage through a modern lens.