Series description
With more than 35 active members, Mthwalume Brass Band is a vibrant pillar of community spirit in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The band is dedicated to nurturing young talent and through its uplifting performances and varied repertoire it instils a passion for music and actively engages its members in positive activities. Faced with limited resources and societal challenges, Mthwalume Brass Band focuses on equipping young musicians with vital skills, empowering them to navigate issues including drug and alcohol use, and bullying. Their ongoing journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music.
Sphelele Luthuli, the mace man, was leading the band during their performance at the funeral of Mr. TV Ngcobo, the former principal of a local school in KwaDeyi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Sphelele Msabala gives instructions during a rehearsal at Gobhela Primary School in Mthwalume.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Members of the Mthwalume Brass Band pose for a photograph.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Like some of the other boys, Sibusiso Sithole (15) and Asiphe Mthethwa (14) have to walk long distances to and from the band practices that are held every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Ntandoyenkosi Bhengu (11) is one of the youngest instrumentalists. Here, he irons his band uniform trousers as the ensemble prepares to receive the body of a band member's father before the funeral.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
A young boy gazes in awe at members of the band and their instruments, following an impressive performance by the band at a traditional wedding in Umgababa.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Mfundo Mzelemu (11) cleans some of the instruments outside the school's storeroom.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Instrumentalists playing the sousaphone, euphonium, trumpet and trombone.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
After performing at a community event on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast, members of the Mthwalume Brass Band begin the long walk home, climbing a steep mountain road with their instruments in tow. The journey mirrors the band’s own struggle, sustained by passion and discipline, yet slowed by limited resources. The image captures exhaustion and determination, revealing how far they still must travel, not only across the landscape, but toward the recognition and support needed to fully realise their potential.
© Sandile Ndlovu, South Africa, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Documentary Projects, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards