iPhupho L’ka Biko is a Johannesburg-based Pan Africanist band. The collective was formed in 2015 by bassist and composer Nhlanhla Ngqaqu. The members of the band met in Braamfontein, where they frequently interacted through school ensembles, jam sessions, and circular live music venues. Although the band was founded years earlier, it is heavily influenced by the Fees Must Fall movement with songs like Umhlaba wethu, which morphs, blending original ideas with references to historic and popular melodies. The Xhosa word ‘iPhupho’ alludes to God as the provider and fulfiller of dreams, while ‘Biko’ refers to the noble Bantu Biko, who was influenced by the great Africanist Mangaliso Sobukwe, the fathers of Black Consciousness and Pan-Afrikanism in South Africa. Through music, iPhupho L’ka Biko aims to educate and spiritually awaken the public.
The band explores themes such as religion, tradition, origins, displacement, and race.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Miseka Gaqa – Vocals
Pulane Mafatshe – Vocals
Lebohang Moleleki – Drums
Sibusiso Malindzisa – Piano
Mokgethi Nkotsi – Saxophone
Koketso Poho – Vocals
Moeketsi Kgotle – Vocals
Sibusiso Mkhize – Vocals
Khutjo Nkwana – Saxophone
Tumi Pheko – Trumpet
Nhlanhla Ngqaqu – Bass
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
iPhupho L’ka Biko is a 12-piece jazz band founded by composer and bassist Nhlanhla Ngqanqu in 2015. The members of the band met in Braamfontein, where they frequently interacted through school ensembles, jam sessions, and circular live music venues. The band although founded years earlier is heavily influenced by the Fees Must Fall movement with songs like Umhlaba wethu, a song that morphs, blending original ideas with references to historic and popular melodies. The Xhosa word ‘iPhupho’ alludes to God as the provider and fulfiller of dreams, while ‘Biko’ refers to the noble Bantu Biko, who was influenced by the great Africanist Mangaliso Sobukwe, the fathers of Black Consciousness and Pan-Afrikanism in South Africa. Through music, iPhupho L’ka Biko aims to educate and spiritually awaken the public.
Forming the band are Sibusiso Malindzisa (keys), Lebohang Moleleki (drums), Miseka Gaqa (vocals), Khutjo Nkwana (alto sax), Nhlanhla Ngqaqu (bass) Pulane Mafatshe (vocals), Sive Mqikela (vocals), Koketso Poho (vocals), Sbu Mkhize (vocals), Moeketsi Kgotle (vocals), Kgethi Nkotsi (sax), Tumi Pheko (Trumpet).