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Isando - Steel Band

Andre Schwartz

ISANDO is an original steelpan outfit based in Jo’burg, South Africa. Featuring Dave Reynolds (steelpans), Bernice Boikanyo (drums) and Mlungisi Gegana (upright bass) with the addition of assorted percussion or keyboards – their sound is distinct, their music infectious.

Originating in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, the steelpan was developed as a cultural hybrid, mostly by people of African decent. Although it was brought to South Africa in the sixties by Dr Andrew Tracey, it was only in the mid nineties that things took off with Rhodes students Steve Lawrie and Dave Reynolds. Steve
started Pan Master, the first steelpan instrument manufacturing company in South Africa, and Dave became South Africa’s first professional steelpan player.

With ISANDO the pan has found its voice in the contemporary music scene. For starters, there’s African rhythm, then a main course of beautifully crafted tunes and real jazz improvisation for
dessert – world class cuisine, indeed.

ISANDO has performed for the following corporate events and functions:

• Weddings and private parties at Joburg Country Club, the Hilton and Hyatt Hotels and other venues.
• Corporate functions at the Lost City, the Boma and the Valley of the Waves at Sun City.
• Game Lodges such at Ivory Tree Lodge and Kwa Maritane (Pilansberg), Leopard Lodge (Hartebeestpoort)    and Mala Mala (Mpumalanga)
• Functions for a host of clients including Mastercard, Alpha Cement, Unilever, National Intelligence Agency   (NIA), Development Bank of South Africa, Investec private bank and others.
• Industrial Theatre Shows for, among others, Nokia and Daimler Chrysler.


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