Mfinyongo, Thandeka

Artist, scholar, musician, instrument maker – Cluster’s artist in residence

*1986, Nyanga, Cape Town, South Africa

Thandeka Mfinyongo is a musician born and raised in Nyanga East, Cape Town (South Africa). Her passion for the performing arts began at an early age. She holds a Performer’s Diploma in Music (2017) and an Advanced Diploma in African Music (2018) from the University of Cape Town, and earned a Master’s degree in Music Performance at SOAS University of London in 2020, majoring in the kora.

Mfinyongo specialises in the Xhosa instruments uhadi (gourd bow) and umrhubhe (mouth-bow). She is currently pursuing a PhD in Ethnomusicology at Rhodes University and lectures African Music at the North-West University School of Music and Conservatory. Her research and creative practice have been shaped by international residencies in Germany and the United States, as well as collaborations with renowned artists such as the late Dr Madosini. She has performed at major festivals and events in South Africa and internationally and continues to combine performance, research, and teaching in her work.

Events and Activities of Thandeka Mfinyongo during her stay in Bayreuth

13.03.2025:
Concert & Pop-up Exhibition

20.01.2025–04.02.2025:
Instrument-Making & Music Workshop Series

Reports

01.08.2025:
Ingoduko (Homecoming): Thandeka Mfinyongo’s Artist in Residence in Bayreuth

12.12.2024:
Thandeka Mfinyongo: Championing Indigenous African Music at the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence

Audio by Thandeka Mfinyongo recorded at Iwalewahaus

Podcast Cluster Conversations: Thandeka Mfinyongo and Dr. Katharina Greven about indigenous Xhosa music

In this episode of the Cluster Conversations, artist fellow Thandeka Mfinyongo talks with her host Dr. Katharina Greven about her recent residency with the Cluster of Excellence in Bayreuth. During her stay, Thandeka Mfinyongo was working on her project “Ingoduko” which she considers a sort of homecoming and an appreciation of African music – her music encapsulates where it began and a nostalgia of home. It is a musical performance celebrating our culture and giving a voice to the Xhosa indigenous instruments, uhadi (gourd bow) and umrhubhe (mouth bow). While in Bayreuth she gave workshops and concerts to teach indigenous music to young people and anyone interested.

Documentary on Thandeka Mfinyongo's fellowship in Bayreuth

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