Nokuthula Ngwenyama
Sanford Allen
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.
