Sankofa is a South African Afro-Indigenous fusion ensemble that was started in 2005 by students at the University of the Witwatersrand to promote indigenous African musical instruments. The band performs on marimbas, flutes, kora, and various percussion instruments. They have given acclaimed performances throughout South Africa and internationally, and also conduct workshops on composition and playing techniques for African music. The band is composed of seven professional musicians who are dedicated to cataloging, advancing, and evolving the usage of indigenous instruments from Africa and around the world.

1. SANKOFA Afro-Indigenous Fusion Ensemble http://sankofa.co.za

5. Range of Musical Instruments African Flutes Kora Uhadi Bows

6. Marimba Percussion Mbira Kudu Horn

10. The Band Members Samora 'Eitaniel' Ntsebeza: Director Instruments : Percussionist, Voice & Marimba Samora was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He has completed a BMus 4 year degree at Witwatersrand University in 2006. In 1999 Samora was selected to star in the musical "FAME" which was staged at the Monument Theatre in Grahamstown, at age 15. In 2001 he was a member of the "Duke of Cornwall singers" singing ensemble of St. Stithians Boys College which toured to Argentina in 2002. He toured Argentina again in 2003, this time singing with the Wits University Choir under the training of Dalene Hoogenout. At St. Stithians Boy’s College, he won the 'Saints singer of the Year' competition. From a young age, ancient traditions, arts, cultures, and the mystical nature of ancient cultures has intriguted Samora. As a musician, this has manifested in him acquiring and learning Japanese, Chinese, South American and African indigenous instruments, flutes, drums and compositional forms. Moipone Elizabeth Khomari: Road Manager and Logistics Officer Instruments: Voice & Marimba. She was born in Pretoria, South Africa and she has a Bmus Dtegree from Wits University. She aspires to be one of the best soprano singers ever born and bred in South Africa. She plans to take on the world. She plans to be part of the Marimba band for a long time to come and see it through when it flourishes. She wants to see the band’s full potential manifest and grow with it – whilst incorporating singing simultaneously.

11. David Lephoto: Financial Officer Instruments: Voice, Mbira, Piano & Marimba David has completed a Bmus Degree at Wits University. He was a digital music technology tutor for two years at Wits University. He has worked in the State Theatre on “I Mike What I Like” with Kgafela Oa Magogodi and an animated play by Wits masters animation students. He enjoys tackling life’s challenges, obstacles because they help him to conceptualize his future better. Joe Ntsako Makhanza: Head of Marketing Instruments: Percussionist, Voice, Mbira, Flute & Marimba. Joe was born in Giyani, South Africa. He has a BMus Degree from Wits University, a Diploma in Arts Marketing also from Wits and a Certificate in Advertising and Graphic Design from Damelin. Joe has been blessed with a vast knowledge of designing making Indigenous Instrument. He feels that his purpose is to heal people through music. Music for him is not just about entertainment, it is also about life itself. It’s all of life! He sleeps, walks, talks and eats music. Olaotse Lekau Mmileng: Artistic Director Instruments: Percussionist & Marimba. Olautse was born in Mafikeng. He started playing marimba at school in Mmabatho under the influence of Mr. Cushman. He is a marimba player by profession and has always had a huge interest in ethnic music and instrument like African drums although his passion lies within the marimba. He has been involved in the Love Life games and reached the national two years in a row, in 2002 he toured internationally to Shangai, China. He aspires to be the best that he can be… “myself”.

12. Alfred Elikem Kunutsor: Artistic Director Instruments: Percussionist & Marimba. Alfred was born in Accra-Ghana. He has completed a BADA Degree and now finishing his Masters Degree at Wits University . Alfred is not only a musician but a choreographer and a professional dancer. He says he gets his inspiration by tuning into the spirit of the instruments that he plays, the drums, (traditional to his Ghanaian culture) which continually connect him with his inner being in order to change the situation and the environment around him. Nhlamazi Ignatia Cynthia Madalane: Administration Officer Instruments : Percussionist, Voice & Marimba Ignatia was born in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She finished her Bmus Degree at WitsUniversity and currently, she is doing her last year of a Masters Degree, in Ethnomusicology, also at Wits University. She is An Afro-Jazz/Pop vocalist and leader of her own Afro-Jazz/Pop band, as well as a songwriter. In 1999 she joined a Gospel music group called Voices of Praise from Witbank, which she recorded an album with and which she later headed as the music director .