Who We Are At
Mmaletsatsi Productions
Who We Are At
Mmaletsatsi Productions
Mmaletsatsi Production
Mmaletsatsi Productions is a visionary, culturally rooted creative business based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Founded by Thobekile Ntomb’yelanga Mbanda in 2019 (operating since 2016), we are dedicated to preserving and reimagining indigenous knowledge systems through music, storytelling, education, handcrafted instruments, and scholarly research.
Born out of passion, resilience, and cultural pride, Mmaletsatsi is more than a business — it is a movement that brings healing, empowerment, and identity to communities through authentic African creative practices.
All the Instruments sold at Mmaletsatsi Productions are made by local artists all independent and great at their skill set.
These artists work is about preservation of indigenous instruments through production and education through workshops for schools, individuals and corporations.
- Ntomb’Yelanga specialize in bow instruments, Zulu drums and percussions
- Matake specializes in mbiras, djembes and xylophones
- Luyolo Lenga specializes in unbraced and mouth bows.
- Frank The Artist specializes in clay works namely the udu.
- Mabeleng specializes in all types of shakers.
Contact Us if you’d like to book for workshops.
What We Do
At the heart of Mmaletsatsi Productions lies a commitment to cultural preservation and community upliftment. We design, create, research, and deliver:
Handcrafted Indigenous Instruments
Authentic, handmade instruments that honor traditional craft while inspiring new creative expression.
Cultural Literature
Beautiful isiZulu children’s books and educational materials that nurture language, identity, and heritage.
Performances & Storytelling
Live performances that blend music, poetry, and storytelling, offering audiences immersive cultural experiences.
Workshops & Educational Programs
Interactive sessions in schools and communities teaching indigenous music, creative expression, and the making of traditional instruments.
Academic Research & Journals
Research, documentation, and publication focusing on the preservation, promotion, and development of indigenous instruments and related cultural practices.
Ntomb'Yelanga
Ntomb’yelanga — Daughter of the Sun. A woman shaped by rhythm, rooted in spirit, and guided by ancestral winds. My journey weaves together art, education, and healing, carrying sound as both memory and prophecy.
As founder of Mmaletsatsi Productions and Abancane Art Academy, I create spaces where voices rise, instruments breathe, and stories unfold. My work lives at the intersection of indigenous music, creative education, and spiritual reflection — from teaching young learners to honour the drum and bow, to holding space for women to find healing in silence, poetry, and song.
My debut EP, Galactic Activation Portal, is both soundscape and ceremony — a sonic journey that invites listeners to step into higher consciousness, guided by ancestral resonance and cosmic rhythm. It is a reflection of my belief that music is not only for the ear, but for the soul’s awakening.
Through projects like Voices in the Wind and my podcast The Silence Between Heartbeats, I continue to explore what it means to be whole, to forgive, to remember, and to dream. My calling is to nurture creativity not only as performance, but as a sacred practice — a way of reconnecting with self, ancestors, and community.
Ntomb’yelanga is not just my name. It is a path. A reminder that even in shadows, the sun births new light.
Link to published articles
The revival of the umakhweyana and ugubhu | Music In Africa
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10130950.2020.1782759
Music in Africa
https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/ntombyelanga
Youtube links
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ntomb%27yelanga
Mmaletsatsi Production Policies
Instrument Orders & Deposits
- 50% non-refundable deposit required to confirm all orders.
- Production starts after deposit is received; balance payable before delivery or collection.
- Lead times vary based on materials and order size.
Delivery & Collection
- Delivery available across South Africa (shipping costs quoted separately).
- Clients may also collect orders by appointment.
- Mmaletsatsi Productions is not responsible for damage once items leave our premises, but we package with care.
Payments
- Payments accepted via EFT and other approved methods.
- Send proof of payment to: info@mmaletsatsiproductions.co.za.
- Prices exclude VAT unless stated otherwise.
Performances & Bookings
- Book at least 4 weeks in advance where possible.
- 50% deposit secures your booking; balance due 7 days before the event.
- Travel and accommodation costs (outside Gauteng) billed separately.
- Cancellations less than 7 days before the event forfeit the deposit.
Workshops
- Available for schools, community and corporate groups.
- 50% deposit required; balance due 7 days before workshop.
- Content tailored to age and group needs. Travel and accommodation billed separately
when needed.
General Terms
- All deposits are non-refundable unless cancelled by us.
- By paying the deposit, you accept these terms.
- We may update policies and will inform clients with active orders or bookings.
For more info or special requests:
mmaletsatsipro1@gmail.com
+27 (0)829647521