Ambient & African background music
Atmosphere, class and style – performing light jazzy, African and contemporary classics and some Afro Jazz, this ensemble provides background music and entertainment for up-market events, dinners, cocktail functions and events where soft, sophisticated ambiance is required. They can then up the tempo if necessary, to get the fingers clicking and feet tapping to some more up tempo numbers. Songs like “Vulindlela” by Brenda Fassie, “Ndihamba Nawe” by Mafikizolo and contemporary hits such as “Treasure” by Bruno Mars are often performed at events.
The background music and entertainment ranges from soft, jazzy music such as “Summertime”, “Misty” and “What a wonderful World” to African favourites such as Lirá’s “Feel Good”, “Meadowlands”, “Pata Pata” “Emlanjeni”and “A cry, A smile, A Dance”. Some Kenny G numbers skilfully performed on the saxophone, complimented by rich African vocals. Together with the double bass and guitar, this ensemble has a full acoustic sound which completes any event.
They can perform background numbers as well as pick up the tempo later for more energetic Latin – American, Cuban and swing styles. Up-tempo African and Afro Jazz classics are perfect for entertaining any audience.
The ensemble strives to perform music that suits a diverse cross-cultural audience and accommodates different styles of music. They had the privilege to perform for Mr Cyril Ramaphosa at the Shanduka Black Umbrellas event at the venue Summer Place in Hyde Park.
Ethnix Ensembles Ethnix also performs in different ensembles, such as sax and vocals as a duo, or as an instrumental jazz trio with keyboards, double bass and saxophone. They perform in a similar style as the full quartet, but suit the ensemble to fit the needs of the event. They are flexible to accommodate the need of the specific requirements.
Nonhlanhla Mahlangu moved to JHB in 2000 to pursue a career as a performing musician, she performed with Hotstix, Blue heads, Zama Jobe, Olufemi to name but a few. She performed regularly at the Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton, Moyo’s in Melrose Arch and with the band Soul Tones at various hotels.
Phiwe Solomon performed with Sibongile Khumalo, Andile Yenana and travelled to South America and America on music tours. He is currently a lecturer in music and bass guitar at the Central Johannesburg College. He also performs regularly in hotels in Sandton.
Rike on sax performed in 2001 at the Abu Dhabi at the Hilton Jazz bar with the Cape Town Band “Southern Glow”, also with “The Worx” in Dubai at the Royal Mirage and various New Year’s eve events in Dubai. In 2025 She performed at the Avani Plus hotel in the Seychelles for New Year’s even. She performs in many different capacities, from stage shows to full bands as well as solo musician and was a resident musician at the Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton. She regularly performs at corporate events and regularly at the Indaba Hotel ‘jazz’ breakfasts on a Sunday morning.
Cyril “Da Funk” Petersen has traveled the world performing on his guitar. He performed in Doha, Singapore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi with different bands and as solo guitarist. He is a seasoned musician performing with various
artists at corporate events, also in his solo capacity as Afro-jazz musician.
Alwin Botha, known as Mr Keys, has performed in 17 countries across the world, was resident musician at Intercontinental Hotel in Doha, Dubai and Singapore. He has a studio in Johannesburg where he does recordings, produces music and also performs as a solo one man band – as singer, guitarist and keybord player. He performs mainly at corporate events.
