Bernard Sibusiso Mndawene is currently one of the very best electric bass players in South Africa, extremely flexible, and through his various work experiences with other artists from the MELT stable, he has shown he's at home with any kind of current music. He is equally at home with the maskanda styles of Madala Kunene or Busi Mhlongo — both artists he works with regularly.
Bernard is happy to play jazz with the likes of Sipho Gumede or get down to play some real fat garage or house grooves with DJ Mario Cee in his typical Zulu style. His recent work as a founding member of PedXulu brought him together with artists like Byron Wallen (UK), singer /percussionist Ricky Randimbiarison from Madagascar and Thabang Tabane.
Sibusiso performed several concerts with Madala in Scandinavia and during the NANTES ( France) festival and played to acclaim in Holland, France, Norway and currently Switzerland. He has recorded extensively in both South Africa and the UK.
Bernard is the deputy secretary of KDI (KwaMashu Development Initiative), a successful youth program in his township.
Two master guitarists with two distinct styles perfectly rhythmically underlined by one of the most versatile electric bass player — all three from Durban in KwaZulu Natal where the adventure of melding of styles has long become reality and not just an empty phrase.
— Courtesy Calabash Music
