Those who attended the outreach concert organised by the International Library of Africa Music (ILAM) narrowly escaped Friday’s recurring showers.
Those who attended the outreach concert organised by the International Library of Africa Music (ILAM) narrowly escaped Friday’s recurring showers.
The open-air amphitheatre, tucked away behind the Politics and Fisheries Departments, was graced by performers from all walks of life.
After a late afternoon of singing, dancing and laughter, the audience left having experienced of African music and heritage – and with a sense of involvement with the township people who performed for them.
Audience members were rewarded with compelling performances from the Kingmen Marimba Band, made up of RU students; Graeme College Steel Band; Sakhuluntu Traditional Dancers; Mr Mnyakonzima, concertina player, and Jane Mdyogolo, the last known Xhosa Uhadi bow-player in Rhini.
The spectators swayed instinctively to the melodies as the magical combination of instruments and a deep love for music came together.
The two Sakhuluntu groups sang and danced exceptionally well, smiles remained etched on their faces throughout – and well after – their performance.
What was most impressive was that the routines enacted by the younger dancers were taught to them by their older counterparts in the Sakhuluntu Culture Group.
Sakhuluntu is a community outreach programme whereby children as young as six or seven from the township participate in art activities and dancing, singing and playing drums.
Vuyo Booi, organiser of the group said: “Sakhuluntu means ‘building humanity’ and is effectively trying to reduce the crime rate and cases of teenage pregnancy in the township through arts and education.”
ILAM is a heritage archive and research institute specialising in research, preservation and dissemination of African music.
The director, Professor Diane Thram, edits ILAM’s academic journal, the only journal devoted to research on African music.
“ILAM is devoted to promoting community outreach and education about African music through these concerts and through its research projects and publications,” said Thram.
The retired director of ILAM, Andrew Tracey, said these concerts are "a way for university students to know what goes on in the township and serve as an opportunity for musicians from the township to perform.”
