Ordridge Dingalo

Ordridge Dingalo was born in Sebokeng Township, Gauteng, South Africa. He began his formal artistic training at Funda Community College, commonly known as "Funda Centre" in Soweto, where he earned a Diploma in Fine Arts. He then pursued a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Arts Education. In 2001, through the Cross Culture student exchange program, he further honed his artistic skills in Widnes-Cheshire, England.

Upon returning to South Africa, Ordridge expanded his expertise by attending courses in music, life skills, facilitation, peer education, ancillary healthcare, monitoring and evaluation, as well as sales and marketing. A versatile musician, he plays a variety of instruments and has performed with notable jazz bands such as Bow & Arrow Jazz Band, Sharpeville Swing Stars, New Blood Jazz Band, Shef and the Kitchen, and 7th Chord Jazz Band, contributing as a vocalist, percussionist, saxophonist, and clarinet player.

Ordridge has also served as an adjudicator and judge, including in the Anglican Choirs Fellowship Competition in 2008 and the Sedibeng NGO Annual Choir Competition organized by the Tsatsi Tseke Foundation in 2022. He works closely with local art and music schools such as Khutlo Tharo Secondary School and Beverly Hills Secondary School, both schools of specialization in the arts.
Through his long-standing relationship with the legendary Steve Kekana, Ordridge coordinated South African artists—including Steve Kekana, Thami Sobekwa, Mercy Pakela, Kori Moraba, Zizi Kongo, and the Vaal-based Black Five—for events such as the Lesotho Tourism Festival held in Maseru and Thaba Bosiu.

In addition, Ordridge has interviewed a wide range of international and local artists, including Salif Keita, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Vusi Mahlasela, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Tshepo Tshola, Bhudaza, Kunle Ayo, Caiphus Semenya, Xoli Nosenga, Vuyokazi Tshaya, Lulu Masilela, Bushy Dubazana, Lekoa, and numerous Gauteng-based musicians. Through his multifaceted career as an educator, performer, adjudicator, and arts facilitator, Ordridge Dingalo has made significant contributions to South Africa’s arts and music landscape.