Mbulelo Teddy Ntsente, Gugulethu
When I was asked to speak on the occasion of the funeral of a friend, Xolile “Piano” (Manko) Mfamana sometime ago, I mentioned that in the 1980s and 1990s choral formations acted as a refuge for those of us who were wanted to “escape” the societal challenges of that time.
People were brought together into choral groupings because of their love of choral music, but perhaps also to stay away from crime, gangsterism, drug/alcohol abuse etc.
During the notorious gang war in our neighbourhood between the “Ntsaras” and “Amafelandawonye” around 1987-89, Harmony Singers Choir provided a safe retreat for many of us. While our friends were busy with that senseless war, the two of us would be busy practising tonic sol-fa with Harmony Singers. Besides attending choral practices and musical concerts, the choir instilled in us a sense of discipline, respect and all those virtues that help to make you a good citizen of the world.
Mmeli “Matshaya” Nyangintaka was not only responsible for the formation of Teenage Harmonies, a predecessor to Harmony Singers Choir, but he was a remarkable choir conductor for many years. A very skilled, self-taught chorister and choirmaster, Matshaya, together with Charles Banjatwa, brought so much joy and glory to the choir by winning a number of trophies and medals locally and nationally.
Under his baton and leadership, Harmony Singers became one of the respected choirs in the country together with the likes of Eskin Adult Choir from Mthatha, Pietermaritzburg Choir, Matthew Singers from Port Elizabeth and, of course, our neighbours, Princess Square Singers (PSS), to name a few.
Very friendly, full of humour, but with a very serious side that made us, young and old, pay attention the moment he stood in front of us. His passing has brought together members of this choir who have not seen each other for almost three decades.
Stories about the impact of choirs and choral music in the lives of individuals still need to be written, but surely when that happens, the name of Mmeli Nyangintaka will be there. Matshaya will be buried on Saturday in Gugulethu.
Hamba kahle, Matshaya, onamatshamba!!
