Phelelani Mthembu is a time travelling jazz wizard. Many know him as ‘Mkhonto’, which was originally the name of his guitar. The name caught fire and now is a crown he wears. His spirit, represented through his style and swagger reminds me of something solid; an old way that has been lost, as though he stepped straight out of the streets of Sophiatown to paint an image of a generation that truly set the tone for black contemporary artistry.
In our conversations I asked him ‘Why Jazz?’, Mkhonto replied saying ’Through my music research I found Jazz and learned that it was originally developed by African slaves in America who had to find a way through western instruments to express their hardships and struggle for freedom’.
I met Phelelani Mthembu in pre-covid times at the 'Sawubona Music Jam’ sessions that happen every Tuesday night in Chiawelo, Soweto. In that smoke filled backyard church of live music, he cut a slick figure of an old-time gangster turned musician. When he picked up the guitar he played calmly backing whichever live act was on till he had his Solo, here he would launch into a reality bending few moments of carefuly arranged messages spoken through his guitar.
Phelelani calls himself a merchant; when he’s not practicing, performing or composing he is selling all manner of goods to live and raise funds for studio time. He is currently in rehearsals for the recording of his Debut album ’The man in the green blanket’. 'The Green Blanket' alludes to the famed Image by Leon Sadiki of a mine worker in protest, ab image that speaks of the hardships of the working class and those striving to create a better life.
Mkhonto is an inspired young man, only 24 his demeanour speaks lifetimes of lived experience. He was a perfect subject for my ‘Inspired Beings’ Portrait Project, in this photographic exploration I explore the individuals that shine in work they do and somehow make the world a more interesting place.
