Classic Acoustics KZN, the official appointed distributors of Alvarez Guitars in Kwa-Zulu Natal, are proud to announce an exciting Alvarez guitar endorsement for Durban based musicians Madala Kunene, 'The King of Zulu guitar', as well as acoustic/folk/indie/country/rock phenomenon The Hinds Brothers.
 Established in 1965 by St. Louis Music, Alvarez guitars have been one of the leading acoustic guitar brands in the U.S.A. And around the world for the last 50 years, but have only recently been introduced to South Africa. The Alvarez image is synonomous with quality and innovatioon, their guitars being well known for tone and feel, while many of the greats over the last five decades have gravitated towards the brand and its guitars.
John Steenhuisen of Classic Acoustics KZN commented: “On hearing The Hinds Brothers debut album "Ocean of Milk, I was immediately impressed with their music ability and songwriting skills, which I consider ranks alongside their overseas counterparts. I have no doubt that the Hinds Brothers have a bright future ahead of them.” he went on to say “Madala Kunene is a legend at home, and even more so internationally, with pure music flowing through his blood. We feel both Madala Kunene and The Hinds Brothers represent the very best of what South African music has to offer, and we are very proud and excited that they have chosen to use and endorse Alvarez Guitars. Now the public and musicians alike can take the opportunity to see and hear the Hinds Brothers and Madala Kunene performing with their Alvarez Guitars at future gigs.”
 On receiving his Alvarez guitar the legendary Madala Kunene commented, “I am very happy”, and went on to call his Alvarez “the best guitar I have ever played”. Aden Hinds of the SAMA nominated Hinds Brothers said that “there is something quite special about these Alvarez guitars, just a beautiful tone... We're very stoked!” Brother Wren added “The pickups are the best I've ever heard in an acoustic guitar.”
Alvarez guitars have been played by some of the worlds best known musicians including Joe Bonamassa, Johnny Cash, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Ani DiFranco, The Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney, Monte Montgomery, Carlos Santana and Radiohead. Another South African connection in the Alvarez story is Shaun Morgan of Seether, who also plays and endorses Alvarez guitars in their acoustic shows.
“It is into this exclusive group of artists that we are proud to welcome Kwa-Zulu Natal's very own Madala Kunene as well as The Hinds Brothers.” says Steenhuisen. “Durban has always been the darkhorse city of South African music, consistently producing some of the best artists the country has to offer but never quite getting the recognition they deserve. We are very glad to be able to empower KZN music in this way, and hope this will help to get KZN music on the map even more.”
Madala was chosen to represent South Africa at the “20 years of democracy celebrations” in New York later this year and will be performing at Carnegie hall on the 11th of October. He also has a new album titled '1959' that is set to be released soon, while the Hinds Brothers debut album 'Ocean of Milk', re-released by Sheer Sound on February 14th, has been receiving much critical acclaim in leading music journals, among them Rolling Stone and Audio & Video, and has also been nominated for a SAMA award in the 'Best Adult Contemporary' category. There are now also talks of a collaboration between Kunene and the brothers Hinds - watch this space.
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