The Cry of Africa sees top Afrikaans and Pan African together on one stage for the first time.
Music has always been an integral part of the fabric of life in Africa, but the different genres and styles of its diverse cultures are rarely seen performed in one venue.
This is about to change when musicians from seemingly disparate backgrounds come together on one stage on 25 November for the last iStart2 performance for 2016.
The Cry of Africa or its Afrikaans title, Die Kreet van Afrika, is on at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria for one night only. Presented by iStart2, an initiative that has created a platform for people to collaborate across cultural boundaries, this performance showcases musicians from Afrikaans, Indian, Southern African and Pan-African backgrounds.
iStart2’s aim is to connect and to create practical solutions for a more sustainable future through the arts and to creatively communicate the message of sustainability to its audiences.
Legendary multi-instrumental jazz musician Pops Mohamed is the golden thread that weaves its way through a unique musical line-up that includes singer-songwriter Coenie de Villiers, rising star Dudu Majola, alternative Afrikaans artist Somerfaan, and the West African drumming sensation Sankobo Afrique.
“See something unique… hear the sounds of the Kalahari… experience the past and meet the future,” says Coenie de Villiers. “I listen to an immense amount of indigenous and African music and I respect Pops’s work very deeply. It touches me. Pops really is an idol for me. If we can move the world as artists we can create a better world for all of us.”
iStart2 founder Pierre du Toit says such performances, where diverse musical styles are juxtaposed on one stage, have the effect of introducing people to each other’s music. “Music is a powerful tool for unity and as we are increasingly polarised, the notes and harmonies have the effect of reaching into our hearts and souls to reveal our commonalities. iStart2 is a global movement in which communities participate to re-imagine their future through the arts.”
As if the legends Mohamed and De Villiers aren’t enough, there are several other artists, chosen for their innovative sound, also on the line-up. Decca is the name of a duo made up of Herman Steyn and Douw Steyn (not related) who use old in instruments in new ways.
Laudium-based fine artist and sitar player Poorvi Bhana and tabla exponent Ashish Joshi, whose musical influences range from R&B to rap to Bollywood music, will provide an insight into the intricacies of India music. Joshi, well known on the jazz circuit, plays the tabla, an instrument consisting of two drums requiring great skill and agility.
Finally, to round off this rich and varied celebration of world music, is sultry Stellenbosch songstress Luna Paige, who will stop off in Pretoria during her countrywide tour. Her new Afrikaans single, Gee my ritme, is being released during the tour. Her album Storielied wowed audiences with its one-of-a-kind fusion of Afrikaans literature (novels and short stories) and music – and is an opportunity for Gauteng audiences to get to know her.
Says Du Toit: “We have tried to find a range of contrasting performers, from the up-and-coming to the well-established, to highlight the incredible talent and diverse musical styles in South Africa. These artists would not usually appear together on the same stage, but we will have them performing a few sets and then aim to have them all collaborating on an original piece of music at the end of the performance.
“We are here to break the mould and challenge tradition, while honouring our history and preserving our heritage.”
Pops Mohamed is the arts director of iStart2. He has this to say about the initiative: “When we focus on creating a sustainable world, when we let it sing from every village and every town, from every city and every country, we will be able to join hands and leave sustainable footprints for our children”
Venue: Atterbury Theatre, Daventrystraat 4, Lynnwood, Pretoria
(Cnr Lynnwood Drive and Daventry Street)
Time: 20h00
Date: 25 November 2016
Cost: R160 per ticket
Tickets available from Computicket from Friday 28 October 2016.
