The Rudimentals

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Last updated 27 07 11

The Rudimentals:

The Rudimentals are an eight-piece ska/reggae band from Cape Town, South Africa. The band's releases include two CDs, More Fire and Set It Proper, and a live DVD/CD combo of the 2007 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Concert. The band is signed to the United Kingdom based Moon Ska World distribution label. The group is one of a handful of Cape Town reggae-influenced bands, and has been described as a South African institution in tourist guides and on websites. 

The original members of the band were bassist Barry Clausen, guitarist Etienne Harris, drummer Duane Heydenreych and keyboardist Milandro Mapenga. It wasn't until they met with Zimbabwean showman Teboho (Teboes) Maidza that the band began to grow seriously. Teboes is known to have played alongside Andy Brown and Oliver Mtukudzi. The band subsequently took on a three-piece brass section, in the form of The University of Cape Town's Simon Bates on saxophone, Jody Engelbrecht on trumpet and Ross McDonald on trombone. Dirk Meerkotter replaced Milandro Mapenga on keys. 

The band released its first CD, More Fire, in South Africa in October 2003, and the song "Noh TV" won a National Bronze Stone award for best music video in that same year. In 2004, Blunt Magazine designated the band "Best Reggae and Ska Band" in the country. In 2003, Michael Levy joined on lead guitar. Soon, Barry Clausen left, and six-times National Freestyle skateboarding champion Errol Strachan (AKA Bong) joined up on bass. 

In 2006, Ettienne Harris left and has not been replaced. In mid 2007, Dirk Meerkotter left the band and was replaced by Tony "Fingers" Cencherle. The band toured with UB40 in South Africa in July 2007, and has performed at the Cape Town Jazz Festival, Zimfest 08, and numerous other annual South African events. The Rudimentals have also performed at concerts featuring: Mad Caddies, Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, Groove Armada, Violent Femmes, Johnny Clegg, Freshlyground, Lucky Dube, Vivian Jones, The Wailers, The Beat and Jimmy Eat World. 

In 2007 the band released its second album entitled "Set it Proper" and two singles off the album reached number 1 in the South African best MP3 Awards, each running at top spot for longer than 3 months. the singles were "Radio Skaweto" and "London Sucks"

The band has competed recording it's 3rd album in October 2010, and this will be released later in 2011. The Rudimentals continue to perform at all top South African events and festivals and have gathered a huge following and reputation for great live performances.

The Rudimentals current members: 

    * Teboho Bobo Maidza - vocals

    * Ross MacDonald - Trombone, backing vocals

    * Simon Bates - Saxophone, flute

    * Jodi Engelbrecht - Flugel, trumpet

    * Michael Levy - Lead guitar

    * Duane Heydenrych - Drums, percussion

    * Antonio Cencherle - Keyboards

    * Errol 'Bong' Strachan - Bass guitar

The Rudimentals Bio: 

THE RUDIMENTALS: History 2000 - 2006 The founding members of the band were bass player, Barry Clausen, guitarist, Etienne Harris, drummer, Duane Heydenreych and keyboard player, Milandro Mapenga. This crew met with Zimbabwean talent Teboho (Teboes) Maidza, a born and bred artist. Out of this gathering rose The Rudimentals. 

The band then took on a three-piece brass section, from The University of Cape Town. Simon Bates (Masters graduate) as saxophonist, Jody Engelbrecht as trumpeter and Ross McDonald as trombonist. At the same time the band parted ways with keyboard player Milandro and took on another skilful member, Dirk Meerkotter on replacement keys. 

The band released it’s first CD offering, entitled “More Fire” to the masses in South Africa, in October 2003 and the hit song “Noh TV” won a National Bronze Stone award for best music video, in that same year. In 2004, the band was voted “Best Reggae and Ska Band” in the country, by Blunt Magazine, which enjoys a National readership. 

In the course of 2003 a ninth member joined The Rudimentals, in the form of ex-Louie R and The Jive guitarist, Michael Levy, filling the slot of lead guitarist. However, late 2004 saw the departure of long time Rudimental founder member and close friend, Barry Clausen, exchanging his rude boy apparel for greener pastures. With no time to waste and a succession of upcoming shows a new face was added to the line-up. Six times National Freestyle skateboarding champion Errol Strachan (AKA Bong), was added to The Rudimentals as a replacement for Clausen. 

In early 2008 Dirk left the band and was replaced by Antonio Cencherle, AKA "Tony Fingers" 

The band released the second CD, entitled “Set It Proper”, produced by Ross McDonald, the trombone player. The CD fuses Ska, Reggae, Dub, Dancehall, Rock, African Mbaquanga and Jazz into what is now truly termed Afro-Ska. The band regularly headlines National Festivals and is continuing to gain huge positive response to the groundbreaking sound of Afro-Ska. Sponsors include Cape Audio College, Township Guitars, Moskow Clothing and Critik Shoes. 

Lead Vocals: Teboes Maidza (AKA Mr. Boss), a Chemical engineer by trade, he is responsible for inciting crowds into frenzied skanking and chanting. 

Trombone: Ross McDonald (AKA RossDaBone), a Masters Music Graduate, music producer and teacher, he is the brains behind the Rudimentals album production. 

Saxophone: Simon White (AKA The Reverend), also a Masters Music Graduate, with Honors, full time musician, teacher and composer. 

Trumpet: Jody Engelbrecht (AKA Jo D), has a Bachelor’s Degree in music, and also is a full time music teacher. 

Lead Guitar: Michael Levy (AKA Doc Mike), is a full time Medical Doctor by trade and a big wave surfer of note! 

Keyboards: Antonio Cencherle (AKA Tony Fingers), we are not quite sure what he does, he says he works in the "Family Business"... 

Drums: Duane Heydenreych (AKA Mighty D), is Project Manager by trade, and also does part time antique cabinet making. 

Bass Guitar: Errol Strachan (AKA Bong), is a Researcher by trade, and does Project Co-ordination.