Despite the cold weather, Thursday evening saw the Eastern Star Gallery in Anglo African Street packed full of eager poetry and music lovers when local poet Chris Mann launched his 16th anthology of poetry called Home from Home.
Despite the cold weather, Thursday evening saw the Eastern Star Gallery in Anglo African Street packed full of eager poetry and music lovers when local poet Chris Mann launched his 16th anthology of poetry called Home from Home.
Illustrated by his wife, Julia Skeen, the book also inspired another collaboration: with local group Nia – to produce a multi-media musical based on the work.
“Many people are struggling to find their personal identity. I am trying to help them find themselves,” Mann commented.
In his introduction before the music began, he asked the crowd to think about their homes away from home. This was aided by the unique collection of songs as the various instruments played by Nia including guitar, piano and saxophone blended and soared with Mann’s poetry.
Songs like Don’t tell me that the quiet times don’t deserve a song and It’s country cricket time again had the crowd listening intently and dancing in turns.
The last song, entitled Take your time included of a solo performed by Elijah Madiba on saxophone which set hearts yearning for more. Poet Crystal Warren says, “The poems were very interesting and moving. I am looking
forward to reading the book.” At the launch, the book was reduced to a price of R100 from the usual retail price being R150. Nia band members include Musongaka Ngwenya on piano, Elijah Madiba on guitar and saxophone, vocalist Injairu Kulundu and Zenzo Simbao and Sebastian Jameson, also on guitar.
“I thought the intimate venue suited the songs, style and the wonderful vibe from the audience,” said the satisfied poet.
The group will be performing Home from Home at this year’s National Arts Festival at the Cathedral as part of SpiritFest on 23, 29 and 30 June at 6pm and on 25 and 26 June at 7pm.
