CHRIS TOKALON
Well-known South African musician Chris Tokalon is both a saxophonist and
flautist. He is available as a solo musician or in ensembles to brighten up any
special occasion and performs a variety of favourite jazz and African standards.
Chris had been performing in jazz bands, musicals and theatre events since 1980.
He is currently involved in the seven-piece band Kwassa Nkemba, which performs
an exciting selection of African jazz originals from their CD entitled One World
Music, released to wide acclaim from the music industry and public alike.
Kwassa Nkemba is the ideal party or function band. The band members dress in
traditional West African outfits and perform a large variety of vibrant dance
rhythms and styles, i.e. West African, South African and Samba. They are also
able to play background music if required.
Chris is also a comedian who is able to skillfully imitate Madiba, Satchmo and
the trumpet, perfectly and hilariously accompanied to music or as a "special
guest" speaker to add humour and lightness to corporate presentations.
CHRIS TOKALON - SOUND JOURNEY
Famous South African musician Chris Tokalon offers a fun-filled and inspiring
alternative to conventional corporate teambuilding events, his is a humorous
and/or holistic approach to the often-overlooked aspect of corporate wellbeing.
The event starts with interactive music making (not drumming!) conducted by this
skilled musician, comedian and impersonator. The music performed by delegates or
staff members is simple and suitable for any level of musicianship and involves
the use of plastic pipes of varying length and pitch, hand clapping,
finger-snapping and voice. All of this is completely interactive and hilarious.
Chris plays sax or mouth trumpet and does Satchmo impersonations with the rest
of the "band". The simple rhythms performed by the delegates create co-operation
and rapport within the group and a wonderful sense of fun and unity is the end
result.
The second phase, which is a 'sound journey', can be conducted as a separate
event or in conjunction with the above. Participants close their eyes and allow
themselves to be 'massaged' and mesmerised by a variety of soothing, harmonious
sounds produced live by Chris and his team as they walk around the participants.
Some of the instruments used are flute, didgeridoo, Tibetan bowl, bells and
voice, along with evocations of natural sounds. These powerful and evocative
sound-waves massage the body on a cellular level and are guaranteed to create
revitalization, calmness and a sense of harmony, qualities necessary for
enhanced interaction and productivity in groups or individuals. The uplifting
and stress-relieving qualities of music and humour are known and documented
worldwide - when combined they are bound to produce an unforgettable and
transformational event.