Mbekweni Black Bafanas

Mbekweni Black Bafanas is an Isicathamiya (a capella) choir hailing from Mbekweni Township in Paarl, the group has been together since 1997, and are also popularly known as "Oomavuthengatshi".

The group has recorded two albums, "Mandenze Indumiso" in 1999 and "Wenza Ngabom" in 2007. Bafanas also featured in other recorded works like Ezodumo, Africa Within (SABC Africa) Cape Winelands Documentary, FC Hammers Documentary and other local documentaries, as well as a few international films.

The undisputed champs of the Western Cape in Isicathamiya music (which they describe as "the music that celebrates and mourns") had the opportunity of performing in Copenhagen in Denmark in 2003 and have also shared the stage with acclaimed artists like Jonas Ngwangwa, Madala Kunene, Ray Phiri, Jimmy Dludlu, Moses Ngwenya,  Freshlyground, and the international Chor’Africa from France.  Locally, they have performed at various international events and functions, and one of their highlights was performing at one of the Duke of Wellington's charity events at Diemersfontein in Paarl.

As part of their social responsibility, Oomavuthengatshi has partnered with the Frank Petersen Music School in mentoring a group of 15 young boys, who are taught music literacy and a capella music. Part of the curriculum is for the group to teach the youngsters about moral values and being responsible citizens.