South African Air Force Band
Major Sipho Stephen Ndlovu, Acting Senior Director of the SAAF Military Band Service, Bandmaster.
Formed in 1946 by Captain Harry Phillips as a military marching group, the South African Air Force Band has been continuously promoting the image of the South African Air Force (SAAF) both at home and abroad. Over the last seven decades, the ensemble has been pursuing the objective of boosting the spirits and camaraderie among the South African military personnel.
The SAAF Band is based in Tshwane, the capital of South Africa widely known as Pretoria.
Musicians are actively engaged in covering state official occasions at different levels, and their achievements include the unveiling of the national coat of arms, and the one belonging to the South African National Defense Force. Several
The SAAF ensemble is already acquainted with Russia, having traveled to the country in 2008 to participate in the Saint Petersburg festival.
The musicians’ repertoire is extensive, encompassing a variety of musical genres and even indigenous African melodies.
The SAAF Band is the crown jewel of the country, known as the Rainbow Nation for its wide range of official languages (as many as twelve), skin tones and confessions.
Major Sipho Stephen Ndlovu is currently in charge of the ensemble. In 2006, he started the SAAF Entertainment Band. In 2012, he qualified as a Musical Director, and has performed with both entertainment and military bands.
For the first time, the South African Air Force Band will be taking part in the Spasskaya Tower Festival.
