The Buskaid Soweto String Project (BSSP) has launched its third CD in South Africa. Entitled Tshwaranang (which means Unity), the CD has been jointly sponsored by Nedbank and De Beers.

The CD comprises Buskaid Ensemble’s collection of its own township kwela arrangements and promises to delight music lovers. It combines the irrepressible energy and originality of the students with an overlay of musical discipline that has been gained from their extensive knowledge of western classical string repertoire such as the music of Biber, Bach, Handel, Corelli, Mozart, Greig, Elgar, Bloch and Schnittke.

"The standard of the Ensemble is now at its highest level, and in the past year a greater emphasis has been placed on kwela. The arrangements are humorous, whimsical and unique to the group," says viola player Rosemary Nalden who founded Buskaid. “An added bonus is the inclusion of several vocal numbers sung by talented members of the Ensemble.”

Tshwaranang consists of 20 tracks and was produced and engineered by Nick Parker, one of the UK’s foremost producers, and recorded at the Snape Maltings in the United Kingdom. Samson Diamond, a student who trained with Rosemary and a member of the senior Ensemble, acted as principal arranger of the music. He is currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under the tutelage of distinguished British teacher, Richard Ireland.

"Nedbank is delighted to sponsor the talented musicians from Buskaid as part of our ongoing support of arts development in South Africa, and we wish Rosemary and her students much luck with their future endeavours," said Greg Garden, general manager Nedbank Marketing. "Buskaid has the potential to change the lives of many and touch the lives of all."

"De Beers, with its strong roots in South Africa, believes that investing in the arts is investing in the dignity and proud heritage and traditions of the people of South Africa,” said Abel Madonsela, Communications Officer at De Beers. “This company is committed to supporting organisations like Buskaid, that aim to develop and nurture local talent; investing in our stars of tomorrow and encouraging them to reach their full potential."