Thami Dlamini

Thamsanga Dlamini is an aspiring musician and music teacher. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Fort Hare lectured by Ndunduzo Makhathini piano and Thembinkosi mavimbela Bass guitar, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in music. Prior to that, he studied Popular Music Performance at Esayidi TVET College lectured by Andile Yenana and Sandile Cele, specializing in piano. Thamsanqa is passionate about creating cross-cultural musical and educational projects that build bridges and connect people bun. He shared the stage with big artists like His former masters and mentors, Andile Yenana, Sakhile Simane at Guild Theatre in East London, Zibusiso Makhathini, Dalisu Ndlazi, McCoy Mrubata, 047 as a pianist in National Festival in Grahamstown Makhanda. In 2023, he composed a piece titled "Icala Legazi" in memory of Nosicelo Mtebeni, who was tragically killed by her boyfriend in 2021. Currently, Thamsanga is working with young musicians in Grahamstown and has composed another piece titled "Isililo Samanina," which draws inspiration from the story of Cwecwe, a victim of sexual violence. This composition seeks to highlight the pervasive injustices faced by marginalized individuals and women in South Africa, inspiring community protests that advocate for justice. In December 2023 Thami was lucky to travel and explore music education in India, a historical framework which revealed how classical Indian music developed alongside religious and political influences, leading to a deep entrenchment of exclusivity within music education. He found that, royal court patronage played a significant role in consolidating musical forms, often limiting access to specific social classes. For instance, the education of Hindustani musicians was largely confined to elite, informal networks known as gharanas, which prioritized oral transmission over formal education. This structure restricted access to music education based on caste and family lineage rather than economic status. However, with the rise of the middle class, there have been calls for broader access to music education that transcends traditional barriers, reflecting a shift from elitist practices toward a more inclusive approach.
The case of Thamsanga Dlamini, along with the examination of music education in India, provided crucial insights into the broader implications of cultural access, educational practices, and social equity in the arts.
1. Cultural Influence and Identity
Thamsanga’s commitment to cross-cultural musical projects, coupled with India's historical context, underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse musical traditions. Blending different styles enriches artistic expression and fosters cultural understanding and community connection.
2. Access and Exclusivity in Education:
The historical limitations of music education in India based on caste and elite status serve as a cautionary tale about the need to create inclusive educational frameworks. Music educators must consider who has access to music education and how to dismantle systemic barriers.
3. Evolving Practices:
The desire for inclusive music education among the rising middle class signifies a shift toward democratization in the arts. It is essential to advocate for broader access and promote policies that enable diverse populations to participate in music education, thereby fostering a richer...