The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA), is thrilled to announce that UJ Choir alumni, The Muffinz, is coming back to the roots of their musical journey. Marking their 12th anniversary since debuting on the South African music scene from their humble beginnings as UJ students, The Muffinz will be hosting a series of special events at the UJ Art Centre on 25 and 27 September 2024.
The Muffinz, a musical band consisting of five singers who are also the instrumentalists, first met as students and choir members at UJ. The band initially formed in 2010 when Sfiso Atomza, Mthabisi Sibanda and Simz Kulla, met while singing together in the UJ Choir. Later, the group was joined by Gregory Mabusela on drums as well as another UJ Alumnus, Geoffery Chitima on Bass.
Since their formation, The Muffinz have crafted a sound that is both authentically South African and sonically captivating. Their exceptional talent has earned them various industry and commercial Awards, various international invitations to Tour and widespread acclaim in the South African music industry.
Now, 12 years later, The Muffinz return to UJ in sensational fashion as the group debuts a documentary on Wednesday, 25 September 2024. Living Life Live, produced by frontman, Sfiso Atomza Buthelezi, is a reflective film about the live music scene in Johannesburg and will be followed by a special ‘One Night Only’ performance on Friday, 27 September. This highly anticipated event showcases their journey from their early days at UJ to becoming one of South Africa’s most influential musical acts. The documentary provides an intimate look at their experiences, challenges, and triumphs over the past decade, offering audiences a deeper understanding of their musical evolution.
“The University of Johannesburg takes great pride in celebrating and welcoming back The Muffinz who has garnered remarkable achievements since their time at the institution. The Muffinz’ journey has humble beginnings in the corridors and rehearsal rooms of the UJ Arts Centre. To see them soar to a prominent place in the South African music scene, is rewarding and testament to their hard work and dedication,” says Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture”
The live music performance is set to take the audience down musical memory lane and reveal the future of The Muffinz’ place in the local and International live music landscape. “The repertoire for the evening will comprise of audience favourites from both our commercially released albums and a tribute to the South African Songbook, performing reworked songs by a diverse group of South African artists, that are ‘under-covered’ and under- performed,” says Sfiso.
Tickets are available on Plankton.mobi for the ‘One Night Only’ performance.
Friday, 27 September at 19:30.
R300 – General admission
R280 – UJ Staff
R280 – UJ Alumni
R250 – UJ Students
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS – https://tinyurl.com/3rhf6pe8
For more information, contact Nombulelo Jili.
ABOUT UJ ARTS & CULTURE
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student, and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni, and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.
In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA (www.uj.ac.za/fada) offers programmes in eight creative disciplines, in Art, Design and Architecture, as well as playing home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art & Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre. The Faculty has a strong focus on sustainability and relevance, and engages actively with the dynamism, creativity, and diversity of Johannesburg in imagining new approaches to art and design education.
