Ntando “Basslyn” Mbatha is a bassist, songwriter, lyricist from Osizweni in Newcastle (in Kwazulu Natal – SA), a member of the global collaboration “Roots Grown Deep”.
Artist Overview
Ntando “Basslyn” Mbatha is a South African bassist, songwriter, and lyricist whose musical journey spans the rich tapestry of Kwaito’s golden era, the discipline of jazz studies, and the borderless expanse of global fusion. Born and rooted in Osizweni, Newcastle (KwaZulu-Natal Provin44ce), his story is one of relentless creative pursuit—from writing lyrics over instrumental Kwaito tracks as a youth, to walking miles in search of recording studios, to eventually holding the low end for some of South Africa’s most iconic artists and international collaborations.
Today, Ntando is a core member of the cross-continental ensemble Roots Grown Deep, a collective dedicated to a genre-defying soundscape they call “Musical Ecology.” His bass playing—whether on electric or upright—is characterized by a deep, unshakable groove, melodic sensitivity, and an intuitive understanding of songcraft, honed through decades of immersion in Kwaito, Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, and Gospel.
Early Life & Foundational Influences
The Kwaito Generation
Growing up in Osizweni, Newcastle, Ntando was swept up in the wave of Kwaito music that defined South African township culture in the 1990s. The sounds of Trompies, BOP (Brothers of Peace), Chiskop, Alaska, Mdu Masilela, Skizo, and Thebe weren’t just entertainment—they were a blueprint.
As a founding member of the five-man crew Gangz, alongside Skhumbuzo ‘Sbreeo Da Boss’ Ndaba, Sibusile ‘Shibobo’ Xaba, Manqoba ‘Kofifi’ Mazibuko, and Khulekani ‘Mkudo’ Sibiya, Ntando found his first creative home.
“We wrote songs to most, if not all, the classic instrumental tracks featured on kwaito albums like Mdu Masilela, TKZee, Trompies, and Brothers of Peace. Recording studios were a rare thing back then. I remember walking with Sbreeo Da Boss on many occasions from eNcandu side to eSection 7 eMadadeni, going to Mjeb’s place, hoping he’d help us record the sound and groove we were creating. We’d get lost in our catchy lyrical hooks, exchanging verses, and breaking into Pantsula and is’Gangtrapa dance moves. Our greatest desire was to capture that energy.”
Even as Kwaito shaped his teenage years, a deeper current was flowing beneath the surface. In his childhood home, his father’s record player spun the sounds of Bebop, Jazz Fusion, Soul, Gospel, and Funk on wax—music that would later resurface as a profound influence on his artistic identity.
The Claremont Years & The Acoustic Guitar
Relocating to his second hometown, Claremont near Pinetown, Ntando immersed himself in the local Hip Hop scene. He formed an ensemble with brothers Ntlantla ‘Bah’ Thusi, Qhawe ‘Qwetha’ Dlamini, and the late, transcended brother ‘Popo’ Khoza.
With no instruments, the group created rhythm by beating on empty 25-liter water containers, using them as a source of timing and percussion while layering harmonies and flow over the top. It was during this period that Ntando’s uncle, ‘Ndodo’, gave him his first acoustic guitar. The instrument became an extension of his body—hung across his back everywhere he went—and marked the beginning of his formal journey into melody and harmony.
Formal Training: DUT & The Discovery of Upright Bass
After matriculating, Ntando chose to pursue music academically, enrolling at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for a bridging course in jazz studies, majoring in bass guitar.
“I was exposed to a different world—Jazz. I was inspired by brilliant musicians like Banda Banda (bassist), Nduduzo Makhathini (pianist), Thuto Motsemme (bassist), the late Brandon (drummer), and Zakes Bantwini (vocalist), just to name a few. I would watch their jam sessions around the campus cafeterias and practice rooms in awe of their command of instruments and the Jazz language.”
It was at DUT that Ntando first encountered, saw, touched, and fiddled with an Upright Bass. The experience was transformative.
“I was so inspired that nights became sleepless. I would book a bass guitar and a practice room every day and even began working through the night to advance my playing and theory.”
However, entering the program with no formal music theory or practical background, Ntando found the curriculum demanding. He made the difficult decision to relocate to Johannesburg in search of a different learning environment.
The Pretoria Chapter: Tshwane University of Technology & The Ochrim School of Music
Following a recommendation from his long-time friend Sibusile Xaba, Ntando enrolled at the Ochrim School of Music (now part of UKZN’s Tshwane campus) in Pretoria. There, he studied under the tutelage of Shota (originally from Shana), a mentor who would prove pivotal in his career.
“I remember receiving a call from Master Shota about a show at The Baseline in Newtown that we needed to rehearse for. Guess whose music we were playing? The legendary Lebo Mathosa.”
The Pretoria creative scene became an expanded continuation of his artistic life in KZN, but with deeper exposure to platforms he had only dreamed of. He connected with a vibrant community of musicians, including at the legendary “Uhuru waMaisha Sessions,” where he met kindred spirits such as Kholofelo ‘Nafthali’ Mpago, Azah, Lerato Khuzwayo, and Kevin Malama.
One of Ntando’s first groups in Pretoria was Notes, Tones & Flows, a trio with Sibusile Xaba and ELgrimandi. The ensemble was known for its acoustic vernacular rap style, blending spoken word, poetry, and instrumental interplay—a precursor to the genre-fluid approach that would define his later work.
Early Bands & Collaborations in Tshwane
Notes, Tones & Flows
One of Ntando’s first groups in Pretoria was Notes, Tones & Flows, a trio with Sibusile Xaba and ELgrimandi. The ensemble was known for its acoustic vernacular rap style, blending spoken word, poetry, and instrumental interplay—a precursor to the genre-fluid approach that would define his later work.
Musicians Features
About LeMpendulo
LeMpendulo (born Lebogang Mpendulo Pretty Mahlangu) is a world-touring Ndebele African Soul artist, born and raised in the land of melodies, Mamelodi—a vibrant township in Pretoria, South Africa. Predominantly a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, she is also a qualified Graphic Designer with extensive experience and skill in fashion styling, modelling, and acting. Her deep background across multiple artistic disciplines makes her a true product of the arts—a multidimensional creative whose work reflects the rich tapestry of her influences, from humble beginnings in Mamelodi to the ever-evolving global artist she is today.
Ntando’s Contribution to the LeMpendulo Project
Ntando “Basslyn” Mbatha worked extensively as bassist and lyricist on LeMpendulo’s early recordings, contributing to both the “Itjhada” EP (5 tracks) in 2016 and the “Papape” album in 2017. His deep understanding of groove and songcraft—honed through years of Kwaito, jazz, and hip hop immersion—made him a natural fit for LeMpendulo’s soulful Ndebele African sound.
Beyond the studio, Ntando performed in numerous live shows and competitions across the country as part of LeMpendulo’s backing band, helping to bring her vision to stages throughout South Africa.
The LeMpendulo Ensemble
The LeMpendulo project brought together a rich array of artistic talents:
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Lebogang Mpendulo Pretty Mahlangu — Lead Vocals / Acoustic Guitar
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Ntando “Basslyn” Mbatha — Bassist / Lyricist
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Thabang Semelemele — Percussionist (Mamelodi West)
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Brian “Mr Magik” Peters — Guitarist
The collaboration proved significant for both artists—for LeMpendulo, it provided a solid rhythmic foundation for her soulful songwriting during a formative period in her career; for Ntando, it deepened his connection to Pretoria’s creative community and expanded his experience as a session musician and collaborator in African soul music.
‘Green Orange’ was the next ensemble that Ntando played Bass for and this ensemble was more melodic with vocalists like Molebatse Mokone, Lefa, Tshede and Dineo. The ensemble featured Bonginkosi ‘Fingers’ Madonsela on Keyboards, who would also be influential in the birth of a band called ‘4Seasons’ in which Lesedi Ntsane played the trumpet, Bonolo Nkoane played the drums, Sibusile Xaba on lead guitar and myself on the Basslyn. 4Season Band produced a solid contemporary jazz style with influences of greats like Hugh Masekela, Sipho Gumede, the late Moses ‘Taiwa’ Molelekwa and Jimmy Dludlu. This was a huge milestone for Ntando and he admits to experiencing true joy working with his brother. The band played festivals like Moretele Jazz Festival, Poisano Jazz Festival, Emalahleni Jazz Festival, & at venue such as the State Theater, Sun Coast Casinos and many other exiting events.
“We grew strong as brothers and as 4Seasons Band to the point of recording an album entitled ‘Moment of Truth’. We were very fortunate, and had come a long way as individuals to be a part of something so great”.
Root Grown Deep
Joel Karabo Elliott (jKe) is an Amer-Afrikan composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, musical healer, poet, architect, a gardener and and steward of the global ensemble Roots Grown Deep – whose music sings the song-stories of his journey from the pavements of America to the rivers and villages of the Limpopo.
His instrumental versatility and unique blend of guitar, voice, winds, piano and percussion gives his music the feeling of a focused wandering between the American and African continents.
Joel originally hails from Indiana, USA, then many years ago he settled in a village in the open spaces of GaMphahlele in Limpopo, where he became Karabo. Joel Karabo is a man and artist who draws natural inspiration from the roots of mother Afrika and her American branches. His two homelands speak plentifully through his music, while his poetry and lyrics connect the narratives of both continents to portray a fresh take on Diaspora.
The Defragmentations of Roots Grown Deep
Produced by Joel Karabo Elliott
Recorded & mixed by Harold Kolkman and Chris Mocke in Makgobaskloof, Limpopo, South Africa.
TRACKLISTING
1. Round The World: 05:47 2. Lamentations Of A Missionary: 03:37 3. Damascus Road: 04:24 4. Answer From The Sky: 06:31 5. Tethered: 03:56 6. Worn Out Dream: 06:54 7. Three Legged Cats & One Eyed Drummers: 02:40 8. … but there is a fire 02:50
HOMEopathy : Roots House Vol. 1
License
Some rights to these tracks are reserved. Please refer to individual track pages for license info.
Credits
More Info…
Produced by Joel Karabo Elliott
Mastered by Roland PIckl (www.studiobomdia.com)
All songs performed by JKE & Friends
All tracks recorded with Samsung Galaxy J1 mini
* All songs composed and written by JKE except:
“Mma Weledi a Welela” written by Seka Maleka, Luyolo Lenga, Dennias Mashegwane, Naftali Kholofelo Mphago and JKE
“Man of Redeemed Sorrow” — arrangement and rewrite (JKE) of the original “Man Of Constant Sorrow” by Dick Burnett
“Mmangwane Mpulele” — South African traditional
“Sing of your Love” written by Martin Smith
“Twenty-Third Psalm Revisited” — Psalm 23 in the Bible attributed to King David
“God Made Me” — traditional
“Green Green Grass of Home” written by Claude “Curly” Putman Jr, by Tom Jones
“Your Groove Will Surely Show It” — traditional
“Jewa ke Bodutu” -composed & written by Dennias Mashegwane
“The Gospel of Antioch” — spontaneous praise collage by the congregation of Antioch Baptist in Denison, TX
“Defragmentations” of Roots”. For me, is poetic truths which leaves you lingering for more…
Every track is gold.
If you love story telling, then cosy close with your loved ones and open your ears and hearts
Favorite track: “Nokeng”.
Christie Tanith
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@Seed2fire (Bandcamp)
The voices of many souls in the Roots Grown Deep ensemble-family are present in these song-experiences, and many of their homes served as the warm loving environments in which these moments emerged. Thank you dear brothers and sisters Seka Maleka, Naftali Kholofelo Mphago, Phillippa Yaa Devilliers, Dennias Mashegwane, Ntando Majola, Candice Tilly, Stompie Selibe, Nelius Nortje, Tanith Christie & Shane Scott, Caer Harling, Brittany Young, Jeff Woodard, Zozo & Afrika Mgobo, Rozelle Meyer, Chris & Catherina Mocke, Andrew Botelle, Dan Boshoff, Roland Pickl, Rich & Kris Elliott, Dave Stark, Ntuthuko Xulu, Roberto Brazy, Andre Rutishauser, Whitney Freya, and our trusty blue road warrior Lindiwe Queen of Hearts.
All proceeds directly support the production and manufacturing of future albums by JKE & Roots Grown Deep, and the development of the Roots’ ensemble’s unique ‘Seed To Fire’ project, a traveling seed and medicine bank and indigenous fire kitchen.
HOMEopathy was released in the midst of the period of covid19 global pandemic, during which most human beings and families across the planet were physically confined to their own homes, and faced with the choice: await and adjust to news of transition and paradigm shift, or participate consciously and powerfully in the regeneration of the world.
credits
released May 1, 2020
Produced by Joel Karabo Elliott
Mastered by Roland PIckl (www.studiobomdia.com)
All songs performed by JKE & Friends
All tracks recorded with Samsung Galaxy J1 mini
All songs composed and written by JKE
except:
“Mma Weledi A Welela” written by Seka Maleka, Luyolo Lenga, Dennias Mashegwane, Naftali Kholofelo Mphago and Joel Karabo Elliott.
“Man of Redeemed Sorrow” — arrangement and rewritten by Joel Karabo Elliott (a.k.a. JKE) of the original “Man Of Constant Sorrow” a traditional American folk song first published by Dick Burnett
“Mmangwane Mpulele” the lyrics are from a Tswana traditional song in South African. With arrangement inspired by “Sing Of Your Love” written by Martin Smith a song made famous by the Christian rock and worship song by the English contemporary Christian band Delirious?. A song originally released in 1997,
“Twenty-Third Psalm Revisited” — Psalm 23 in the Bible attributed to King David
“God Made Me” — traditional
“Green Green Grass of Home” written by Curly Putman / Produced Peter Sullivan by & performed by Tom Jones [originally released in 1967, info from UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
“Your Groove Will Surely Show It”— traditional
“Jewa ke Bodutu” written by Dennias Mashegwane a Limpopo based Poet & Author
“The Gospel of Antioch” Antioch of Syria, also known as Antioch on the Orontes River, was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire. This is a spontaneous praise collage by the congregation of Antioch Baptist in Denison, TX
The Outcries of Roots Grown Deep
‘The Outcries’ are part of the first two movements of Roots Grown Deep, JKE’s musical story of unlearning, awakening and ascension. From the pavements of America to the river valleys of the Limpopo in South Africa .
What are ‘roots’ exactly? People search for them in family, in home, in history. We of the Diaspora seem forever in search of them, pining for our source of personal meaning in an epoch preferring various forms of mental and physical colonization. Yet it seems to me that roots are not something to found like a lost trinket or forgotten story. Roots are something you grow whenever and wherever you are ready.
The music of Roots Grown Deep is my testimony of unlearning . . . the rumblings of an ancestral hunger manifested within myself as the need to taste an older, more authentic way of living. A U.S. American by birth and culture, I struggled to taste an integrated life in the modern cities and suburbs of my youth. I felt all the contradictions. Discontent with the hollowness of reigning systems, I was also a product of them, bearing in my consciousness and personality all the blessings and curses of modern education, patriotic consumerism and rugged individualism. Eventually I was compelled to seek the most ancient soil, the place of elders and extended family and life lived on the land. Here we experience daily life as unfolding drama rather than rationalization, as a redemption discovered in community more than a salvation found autonomously.
As I lived the elemental simplicity of Limpopo village life…bathing ko Leppelleng, sharing meals around the fire, singing songs of tragedy, love and praise, planting trees and giving them to thousands of households…I finally experienced a life in which spirituality is not a pursuit or belief but is the living fabric itself. – jKe
Produced by Joel Karabo Elliott
Recorded & mixed by Harold Kolkman and Chris Mocke in Makgobaskloof, Limpopo, South Africa
credits
released December 12, 2012
Grow Within And You Shall Not Go Without
From the valleys of the Limpopo river, to the canyons of the Colorado, to the crystal pools of Jamaica comes a musical story of spiritual and cultural transcendence. Grow Within And You Shall Not Go Without is a cross-continental river song blending the soul of Limpopo indigenous rhythms, Jamaican roots reggae, and Native American prayer. Welcome to the Amer-Afrikan sound.
credits
released May 29, 2016
The voices of many souls in the Roots Grown Deep ensemble-family are present in these song-experiences, and many of their homes served as the warm loving environments in which these moments emerged. Thank you dear brothers and sisters Seka Maleka, Naftali Kholofelo Mphago, Phillippa Yaa Devilliers, Dennias Mashegwane, Ntando Majola, Candice Tilly, Stompie Selibe, Nelius Nortje, Tanith Christie & Shane Scott, Caer Harling, Brittany Young, Jeff Woodard, Zozo & Afrika Mgobo, Rozelle Meyer, Chris & Catherina Mocke, Andrew Botelle, Dan Boshoff, Roland Pickl, Rich & Kris Elliott, Dave Stark, Ntuthuko Xulu, Roberto Brazy, Andre Rutishauser, Whitney Freya, and our trusty blue road warrior Lindiwe Queen of Hearts.
All proceeds directly support the production and manufacturing of future albums by JKE & Roots Grown Deep, and the development of the Roots’ ensemble’s unique ‘Seed To Fire’ project, a traveling seed and medicine bank and indigenous fire kitchen.
{ HOMEopathy was released in the midst of the period of covid19 global pandemic, during which most human beings and families across the planet were physically confined to their own homes, and faced with the choice: await and adjust to news of transition and paradigm shift, or participate consciously and powerfully in the regeneration of the world. }
credits
released May 1, 2020
Produced by Joel Karabo Elliott
Mastered by Roland PIckl (www.studiobomdia.com)
All songs performed by JKE & Friends
All tracks recorded with Samsung Galaxy J1 mini
All songs composed and written by JKE except:
“mma weledi a welela” — by Seka Maleka, Luyolo Lenga, Dennias Mashegwane, Naftali Kholofelo Mphago and JKE // “man of redeemed sorrow” — arrangement and rewrite (JKE) of the original “Man Of Constant Sorrow” by Dick Burnett // “mmangwane mpulele” — south african traditional // “sing of your love” — by Martin Smith // “twenty-third psalm revisited” — Psalm 23 in the Bible attributed to King David // “god made me” — traditional // “green green grass” — by Tom Jones // “your groove will surely show it” — traditional // “jewa ke bodutu” — by dennias mashegwane // “the gospel of antioch” — spontaneous praise collage by the congregation of Antioch Baptist Denison, TX
license
Some rights reserved. Please refer to individual track pages for license info.
The Prayers is part two of the Grow Within double album musical novel. It is a testimony of interdependence, an expression of thankfulness, and a meditation on inner growth. Featuring the remarkable voices and instrumentation of Msaki, Nono Nkoane, Naftali, Mercy Dhilwayo, Sibusile Xaba, Nelius Nortje, Dennias Mashegwane, and Stompie Selibe.
From the valleys of the Limpopo river, to the canyons of the Colorado, to the crystal pools of Jamaica comes a musical story of spiritual and cultural transcendence. Grow Within And You Shall Not Go Without is a cross-continental river song blending the soul of Limpopo indigenous rhythms, Jamaican roots reggae, and Native American prayer. Welcome to the Amer-Afrikan sound.
credits
released December 4, 2016
Composed and Produced by Joel Karabo Elliott
live beside the roaring fire
October 2016
Shiluvari, Luvuvhu River, Limpopo, South Africa
Ensemble:
Seka Maleka djembe
Dennias Mashewgwane percussion & poetry
Nelius Nortje guitar
Ntando bass
Naftali voice
Karabo guitar, voice, trombone
roots grown deep · A Beautiful Night in Limpopo (Roots Grown Deep live at Shiluvari)
Welcoming an ever-growing compilation from The Musical Ecology, an emerging audio epic poem written and produced by Joel Karabo Elliott, performed with a Roots Grown Deep ensemble featuring 35 musicians plus children.
roots grown deep · the Musical Ecology of Roots Grown Deep by JKE
The Musical Ecology of Roots Grown Deep expresses the longings and values of a presently scattered cosmic family that is gradually finding their place and purpose through divine guidance in this confused and corrupted world (‘find your self, find your peace, find your home!’). The deep listener who relates personally to this journey imagines herself as the epic’s protagonist. In harmony with the music of life, he learns to travel light through error and pain toward wholistic healing, a universal purification adventure that comes only through multi-dimensional reconnection in the union of earthly, celestial and divine energies which are inaugurating a new planetary epoch of light and life. In the process, she finds her soul’s purpose while participating in the birthing and raising of new, righteously woven communities. It’s a head-meets-heart sound journey, replete with the prayers and songs of communal fellowship, celebration and deep solitude, traversing the mountaintops, river valleys and village chants of our precious earthen homes.
The epic will be physically and digitally released as a triple album
Traveling Light (part 1) toward…
A Whole Regeneration (part 2) in…
The Musical Ecology of Roots Grown Deep (part 3) Release date: 28 December 2019
“They take us beyond blood and bone, beyond memory and fear, to a place where everything is ‘no thing’ made of a single substance. This music moves me deeply to respond with some kind of service. I would like people to meet this in themselves and find their own inner instruments.”
Jezebel
–
Music Journalist (SA)
Composition, arrangement by jKe
Co-produced by Bom Dia Studio / Roland Pickl (Inhambane, Mozambique)
Dedicated to the soul family sent here to remember our spiritual heritage, the warriors working toward planetary regeneration. In remembrance of brother Nkululeko Mthembu. Thank you Motlalepula.
A lush, heart-centered soundscape of global timbres, rhythms and poetry awaits you as the “American Branches” of Roots Grown Deep present another fresh variation on their unique genre, musical ecology. This is river-like world music which stirs up our deepest desires for ecological and spiritual intelligence, connecting us with the land, our ancestors, and our dreams.
Roots Grown Deep is an international sound ensemble curated by South African / American composer and multi-instrumentalist Joel Karabo Elliott. He’ll be joined on this night by Jahidi (tabla, percussion), Scott Sheerin (winds), and Michelle Carter (crystal bowls, shruti) . . . plus a few very special guests soon to be announced!
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Musicians Features
Ntando’s love for Rap is evident in the previous groups that he has been a part of and its a fact that when they founded the ‘BeatBoxCampus Band’, they had found their platform / homebase where they could express themselves through ‘livejazzyhop’. The BBC’s band members are, Tiisetso ‘Tt’ Ramagoshi (vocals), Tshiamo ‘Yams’ Nkoane (drums), S’phephelo ‘Pepc’ Mvelase (Raps / Lyricist), Malusi ‘Lushba’ Masia (alto / tenor sax), Lebo ‘Mabzen’ Mabe (trumpet / trombone), Ryan ‘Mr Magic’ Peters (electric guitar).
being part of and playing for these played a major role in the shaping of his bass playing and writing skills, that also ultimately led to other opportunities of being a session player for
EVENTS PERFORMED
- World Music Ecology [August 2023]
- Kwantu Village (Youth Month Celebrations 2022 & 2023)
- Feast of the Clowns
- ReCapitoli Festival
- Trace Urban Live Sessions
- Oppikoppi Festival
- Back To The City
- Soweto Festival
- Grahamstown Art Festival
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Associate Bands
- Maputo Tour 2023
- Folk & Griot Fest 2023
- Tab Title 3
The Mozambique / Maputo Tour with the
Basslyn has been holding down residency positions at various venues & various bands…
Services & Bookings Information
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