Lead Vocals: Teboes Maidza (AKA Mr. Boss), a Chemical engineer by trade, he is responsible for inciting crowds into frenzied skanking and chanting.
Trombone: Ross McDonald (AKA RossDaBone), a Masters Music Graduate, music producer and teacher, he is the brains behind the Rudimentals album production.
Saxophone: Simon White (AKA The Reverend), also a Masters Music Graduate, with Honors, full time musician, teacher and composer.
Trumpet: Jody Engelbrecht (AKA Jo D), has a Bachelor’s Degree in music, and also is a full time music teacher.
Lead Guitar: Michael Levy (AKA Doc Mike), is a full time Medical Doctor by trade and a big wave surfer of note!
Keyboards: Antonio Cencherle (AKA Tony Fingers), we are not quite sure what he does, he says he works in the "Family Business"...
Drums: Duane Heydenreych (AKA Mighty D), is Project Manager by trade, and also does part time antique cabinet making.
Bass Guitar: Errol Strachan (AKA Bong), is a Researcher by trade, and does Project Co-ordination.
Influences
Cat Empire, Bob Marley, Sizzla, Swing, Jazz, everything!
THE RUDIMENTALS: History 2000 - 2006
The founding members of the band were bass player, Barry Clausen, guitarist, Etienne Harris, drummer, Duane Heydenreych and keyboard player, Milandro Mapenga. This crew met with Zimbabwean talent Teboho (Teboes) Maidza, a born and bred artist. Out of this gathering rose The Rudimentals.
The band then took on a three-piece brass section, from The University of Cape Town. Simon Bates (Masters graduate) as saxophonist, Jody Engelbrecht as trumpeter and Ross McDonald as trombonist. At the same time the band parted ways with keyboard player Milandro and took on another skilful member, Dirk Meerkotter on replacement keys.
The band released it’s first CD offering, entitled “More Fire” to the masses in South Africa, in October 2003 and the hit song “Noh TV” won a National Bronze Stone award for best music video, in that same year. In 2004, the band was voted “Best Reggae and Ska Band” in the country, by Blunt Magazine, which enjoys a National readership.
In the course of 2003 a ninth member joined The Rudimentals, in the form of ex-Louie R and The Jive guitarist, Michael Levy, filling the slot of lead guitarist. However, late 2004 saw the departure of long time Rudimental founder member and close friend, Barry Clausen, exchanging his rude boy apparel for greener pastures. With no time to waste and a succession of upcoming shows a new face was added to the line-up. Six times National Freestyle skateboarding champion Errol Strachan (AKA Bong), was added to The Rudimentals as a replacement for Clausen.
In early 2008 Dirk left the band and was replaced by Antonio Cencherle, AKA "Tony Fingers"
The band released the second CD, entitled “Set It Proper”, produced by Ross McDonald, the trombone player. The CD fuses Ska, Reggae, Dub, Dancehall, Rock, African Mbaquanga and Jazz into what is now truly termed Afro-Ska. The band regularly headlines National Festivals and is continuing to gain huge positive response to the groundbreaking sound of Afro-Ska. Sponsors include Cape Audio College, Township Guitars, Moskow Clothing and Critik Shoes.
In 2007, the Band signed up for the first CD, “More Fire”, with Moonskaworld UK, [www.moonskaworld.com]. Go check the Rudies out on this website, and get access to the hugest online Ska music store!
i havent seen you lads live since i moved from cape town to australia in 2004. didnt even kno if u were still together. then today while checkin prices for rebellion festival in the uk, i see you gonna be playing, well that just made my fuckin day.
i really want to help spread you guys in the states! i saw you at zula bar last year, and got a cd. but i lost it. how do i go about getting another one while living in the states???
One Love to you, In de name of my continued support for you and all you do, I am here to send you good vibes and blessings. Life is our gift and thanks should be given each and everyday, for we are alive to continue on de path of our dreams. Enjoy the feeling of air in your lungs and on your face, We are Oneness! Jah is Life, MERU MATU
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