John Malveaux: Performance by Sanford Allen and Nokuthula Ngwenyama of String Duo No. 2 in B-flat major for violin and viola, K. 424, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Nokuthula Ngwenyama

Sanford Allen

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

According to Thomas Jefferson in 1781: “The instrument proper to them (i.e. the slaves) is the Banjar, which they brought hither from Africa.” The 1984 television film Solomon Northup's Odyssey and the 2013 feature film 12 Years a Slave are based on the memoir of  violinist Solomon Northrup. Living & working violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama  actually purchased a violin crafted by a former slave and respected violin maker. See https://africlassical.blogspot.com/2010/10/city-beat-nokuthula-ngwenyama-acquires.html  

Currently, i am challenged to understand why NOT ONE violinist or violist of African descent is a headliner on any USA major concert stage. WHAT HAPPENED ?  Please see September 22, 2012 performance by violinist Sanford Allen and violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama of String Duo No. 2 in B-flat major for violin and viola, K. 424, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9qPd0aF1gQ Pic 1 Nokuthula Ngwenyama; pic 2 Sanford Allen