Thomas Mokati's granddaughter, Taban Buterji, has taken it upon herself to tell the choir's story.
The Zulu proverb “Ukuzala ukzella amatambo” translates to “giving birth strengthens the bones” and the words ring true when listening to the iconic gospel choir Amadodana Ase Wesile, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
After learning of the milestone, Thabang Buthelezi, granddaughter of Amadodana Ase Wesile founding member Thomas Mokathi, decided to tell the group's story through a documentary.
“At the opening of Provenance, he told me that the group would be celebrating its 40th anniversary in August next year and I knew then we had to do something special,” Buthelezi said. Citizen.
Earlier this year, fashion designer Lukhanyo Mudingi paid tribute to the ensemble in his exhibition, “The Provenance Part II,” highlighting the impact the ensemble's music had on him.
That's when Buthelezi came up with the idea to do something for the group he grew up with.
“he [Lukhanyo Mdingi] “I had no idea that Thomas Mokathi was my grandfather or that Amaddana played such a vital role in his upbringing. I will be forever grateful to him for starting the conversation,” Buthelezi said.
The internationally renowned gospel choir was founded in 1985 by Methodist members Mokati and Mongezi Nosh.
Debut Album Nkosi Shilangene He ushered in a new era in South African music and captured the musical zeitgeist of the time.
To date, the group has released over 40 albums and sold millions of records worldwide.
Buthelezi said her grandfather was heavily involved in the making of the documentary. “He is very involved too. I speak to him twice a week and update him on the status of the project,” she added.
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Funding
Buthelezi is working with filmmaker and archivist Sifiso Khanyile, director Tshepang Hlo Sanaa Motabisa, photographer Andile Buka and producer Tidimalo Rampou on a documentary celebrating the group.
“We are currently in the research and development phase. Our aim is to honour the legacy of Amadona Ase Wesile and provide a personal insight into the life and history of our members. We will be guided by our founder Thomas Mokathi,” Buthelezi said.
The filmmakers are currently applying for development and production funding from the Gauteng Film Commission, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Film Daily Grant.
“The research and development stage involves digging into family archives dating back to the '70s to understand who Thomas was before he formed the group and how the group's success affected his life.”
Buthelezi said she and her team were working with institutions such as Arena Holdings and the SABC to dig through archives of material relating to the organisation.
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A trip to remember
“We're looking at newspaper clippings, old video footage, images and other materials,” she said.
Buthelezi, a former journalist, said she wanted to use her platform to reflect on her grandfather's life and tell the story of how he inspired her to pursue a career in the arts.
“From an early age I was exposed to concerts, SAMBRO, the SABC and recording studios.”
She said:
“Amadodana Ase Wesile raised me literally and figuratively. Most of the members of the group were family friends. They attended funerals, weddings and imittimbi. [family functions] And other family events,” she said.
Buthelezi said the documentary also aimed to evoke nostalgia: “We want to take fans of the group on a trip down memory lane.”
The documentary is scheduled for release in August 2025.
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