Musical segregation: it seems to be everywhere this year. Not one would expect at Fest, but every gig one watches appears to be drawing particular crowds and appealing to certain niches.
Musical segregation: it seems to be everywhere this year. Not one would expect at Fest, but every gig one watches appears to be drawing particular crowds and appealing to certain niches.
However, there is yet hope, and it comes in the form of a formerly local group, The Nia Collective.
"Nia means purpose," says writer and vocalist, Sebastian Jaimieson.
He and Injairu Kulundu, also a writer and vocalist, explain how they believe that their music serves multiple purposes. It was this reason that made the group decide to play at both the Fingo Festival and on the Fringe at the Main Festival.
"It would be hypocritical for us not to," said Jaimieson.
"Playing at Fingo and at the main festival are like two different worlds," Kulundu adds.
"Music and art can serve to bridge that gap and open up possibilities between them."
Looking at the music produced by Nia it is easy to see why they have no difficulty appealing to such vast arrays of audiences.
An amalgamation of various African styles meeting a slight western feel, they attribute their unique sound to members in the collective hailing from different corners of the continent and bringing their own unique influences to the group.
Formed in 2004 and having won band contests in the past, the group is easily one of the more experienced bands on the scene which comes through in their tight, refined rhythms, bringing an entirely different feel to African music.
Consisting entirely of current or former Rhodes students and employees, Jamieson attributes their merging of influences to being an extension of Grahamstown student culture itself.
"It's what Rhodes is about: coming together," he exclaims.
Kulundu and Jamieson are accompanied on stage by: Elijah Madiba (bassist, producer, manager), Laurence Sisitka (madolin,fiddle), Lonwabo Nomfani (keyboard), Nhlangoti Ntambo (drums), Ron Mckay (guitar), Stephen Farder (percussion) and Miranda Ncwane (vocals).
To keep up to date or for further information on Nia, check out their facebook page!
