The Russia Journal

African music lovers in the capital got a rare treat on Oct. 6, when masterful South African guitarist Dr. Philip Nchipi Tabane and his band, Malombo, gave an incredible concert at Le Club to round out the Days of South Africa festival in Moscow.

Before the show, a South African concertgoer familiar with the group promised "dynamite – positive dynamite" from "the doctor," as Malombo's founder and leader has been known since he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Venda in South Africa. And, indeed, positive dynamite abounded from the moment Tabane and his group, consisting of Mphunye Raymond Motau on percussion and Oupa Mohapi Monareng and Thabang Philip, the doctor's son, trading between Malombo drums and congas, took the stage for their last of three Moscow concerts.

Malombo has been around since 1964, and though the original members, apart from the doctor, have since departed, the group has retained its distinctive Malombo sound. This music is an incredibly rhythmic mix of guitar, flute and vocals from the doctor, congas and Malombo drums – handmade, intricately carved, large bongo-like drums with extreme resonance – and other percussion instruments like the cowbell, whistle, tambourine, bell and African rainmaker, some of which are also handmade.

The group, from Mamelodi, a suburb of Pretoria, last recorded in '96 – a TV soundtrack – although it has tentative plans to record a new album next year. Tabane at one time worked with Miles Davis and has performed internationally for years, most recently at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in May. At home, Malombo plays only in clubs. Finally, this year, Muscovites got a chance to experience one of their concerts. "This is our first time in Russia," said Mbongiseni Mazibuko, the group's manager since '98. "We've had a beautiful response, far better than expected."

The music's power was palpable from the first song and got stronger throughout the two-set concert. The rhythm section kept up a pulsing beat from the beginning to the end of the show, highlighting its prowess with drum solos that drew loud cheers from the crowd, especially for the song "Thabang," dedicated to Tabane's son and group member. But the doctor was the star, with his infectious energy and constant smile. His innovative guitar work included sliding and tapping a drumstick up and down the guitar's neck, creating sweet, vibrant notes that guided the group to new highs.

The only down note of the concert was minor and perhaps not Tabane's fault: The guitar's amplifier from time to time would give out somewhat distracting feedback. This did not lessen the audience's appreciation for the music, however, as their approval only got stronger and more vocal during the course of the show.

Malombo and Tabane were so good that it's a pity this was only their first visit to Moscow. Fortunately, Muscovites can look forward to more Malombo music: The group may return to the city at the beginning of February 2002. "We would love to come back," said manager Mazibuko.