Alexandra Paris Brass Band captivates audiences through their unique sound

Alexandra Paris Brass Band has captivated audiences through their blend of traditional brass instruments with the raw energy of Kasi dance and music.
Owing to the changing times, the leader of the band, Tshireletso Ntshwagong said the band now plays brass instruments to produce popular genres such as maskandi.
He added although the band was formed in the 90s during his grandfather’s era, they had to come up with their unique sound. “To prosper in a certain industry, you have to be unique,” he said. “That is why we say we’re fired for our similarities and hired for our uniqueness. That is why many people prefer us, because we give them a different story.”

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Ntshwagong said their ability to use their instruments to produce popular genres has surprised audiences and earned them admiration even outside of the Alexandra community. “One day, we played at an event in KZN, and people were happy and surprised that we could play maskandi music. They started giving us money. We had a great time.”
Beyond the stage, the band is deeply invested in uplifting their community. Ntshwagong said they often played for free or at a discounted price at funerals, comforting people through music during their time of grief.

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“In every song, there’s a message. We convert the lyrics into sweet notes and melodies that purify the grieving hearts.”
He said due to the abundance of talent in the community, they also mentored young musicians, teaching them to play instruments and empowering them to earn a living. He added their band could serve as a powerful tool to keep youth away from the often dangerous street life, and to teach them more about the entertainment industry.

The band has faced challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of a band member. Ntshwagong said at some point, the band separated. “It was hard for us, but we remembered how our late friend loved our band, so we used that to motivate ourselves.” He further noted that as a band, they have also faced tough competition, but they strived to stay unique to ensure that their sound always stood out.

This year, the band is focused on recording a new album, showcasing their talent to a wider audience. They also hope to collaborate with established artists to expand their influence while staying true to their roots.

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