Nduduzo Makhathini, one of South Africa’s leading pianist will perform a sequence of concerts titled: Singing as a way of Being in the World from Friday 11 – Sunday 13 March 2022 at Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch.
A torch bearer of African tradition Makhathini’s artistic virtuosity on piano will articulate an African spiritual journey. “This performance will be a three-part ritual of three evenings,” says Makhathini.
“The symbolism of these rituals will be anchored on the trinity that governs an African worldview. We have been told from the wise ones that an African world is made up of the living, living-dead (ancestors) and the ones-not-yet-born as being in a constant counterpoint,”
The symbolism of these rituals are clearly articulated in sequence of these three concerts. Each has a theme:
Concert 1 on Friday 11 March 2022 at 8pm. Theme: Preparation. One of the rituals to be explore is that of a period of ‘ukuphahla’ when a traditional healer is preparing to take a journey of a calling of healing.
Featuring singer Thandiswa Mazwai; “this performance will explore the language of the spirits there by inviting through ukuphahla to guide us on a journey ahead,” explains Makhathini. The symbolic colour for this concert is red. A symbol of light.
Concert 2 on Saturday 12 March 2022 at 8pm: Elsewhere. Featuring Msaki. At this stage the traditional healer is undergoing training.
“This performance seeks to enter the realms of the spirit and take the audience on a journey towards the unknown where healing reside,” explains Makhathini. The symbolic colour here is green. A colour that symbolises spiritual growth.
Concert 3 on Sunday 13 March 2022 at 3pm: The Return. Featuring Omagugu Makhathini. The traditional healer graduates. The symbolic colour is white. A colour that represents purity.
“This performance captures a celebratory spirit and new knowledge of self,” explains Makhathini.
“The astounding band will play these rituals, and not only of a traditional healer but many more that connect us as people with the spiritual world and the environment we live in,” says Makhathini
“As an artist I have argued that my artistic practice enunciates from a cosmological standpoint. In other words, the articulation of my sound is a result of deep mediations and engagements with the worldview described above.
Ultimately, the music I will be presenting seeks resonance with the greater ancestral paradigms, spirit worlds, the environment, and all living things.”
WHAT: Nduduzo Makhathini – Singing as a way of Being in the World
WHERE: Glenelly Estate, Ida’s Valley, Lelie St, Stellenbosch, 7600
WHEN: Friday 11 March, 8pm, Saturday 12 March, 8pm, Sunday 13 March, 3pm
TICKETS: R350/ R900 weekend pass | BOOKINGS: here
INFO: Biography Nduduzo Makhathini
The Band:
Nduduzo Makhathini: Piano, Singing and Prophetic Word
Robin Fassie Kock: Trumpet and Flugel horn
Ariel Zamonsky: Double Bass
Ayanda Sikade: Drums
Gontse Makhene: Percussion
