The Soweto String Quartet is a
string quartet from
Soweto in
South Africa composed of
Reuben Khemese,
Makhosini Mnguni,
Sandile Khemese and
Thami Khemese.[1][2][3] Their music is a fusion of the "dance rhythms of
Kwela, the syncopated guitars of
Mbaqanga, the saxophones and trumpets of swaying
African jazz and the voices of people singing in joyous, easy harmony". The Soweto String Quartet is autonomous and independent and has not affiliated with any organisation or institution since its inception. The quartet became a full-time professional outfit in 1992. They performed at President
Mandela's inauguration, after which Mandela started recommending them for other jobs.[4] The album Zebra Crossing peaked at number 16 and Renaissance peaked at number 29 on the Australian
ARIA Charts.[5]