Legendary performer Nina Simone sang a mix of jazz, blue and folk music in the 19650’s and 60’s; later enjoying a career resurgence in the ‘80s. A staunch activist in the Civil Rights Movement, she was known for tunes like ‘Mississippi Goddam”, “Young, Gifted and Black” and ‘Four Women”. While...
“I’ve grown up in the township. I paint what I see and what I find interesting”. These are the words of popular Durban artist, Jabulani Cele, as he sought to explain the inspiration behind his many vibrant paintings. Born in 1981 in the township of KwaMashu, and now a full-time...
Bridging what was once a huge gap between artists in Ndwedwe, and access to knowledge and information about the arts, is a forum that aims to ensure that local artists get enough opportunities to showcase their talents. Launched on the 20th of June this year, Ndwedwe Artist Forum was founded...
There are many words to describe art – ‘diverse’ and ‘substantive’ are some of them. Therefore, one cannot dictate how each and every individual will perceive a piece of art. The same can be said of the thoughts and conversations that take place because of the said art piece. For...
Describing his music style as unique and versatile, Nigerian-based artist Remi, whose real name is Bankole Aderemi (21) releases his brand new single, Ice on You featuring Shofela. It is no doubt that West African music, especially Afrobeats, is taking over and the world is listening and dancing to the...
Previously described by the late jazz maestro, Hugh Masekela, as ‘the core of township feeling’, kwaito is a musical genre that is deeply rooted in the rich South African history. Made popular by its flag bearers Bongo-Maffin, Trompies, AbaShante, Brothers of Peace, Ismael, Mandoza, M’du Masilela, and the likes; kwaito...
Imagine distinctively-recognisable traditional music, which just so happens to be mixed with modern rap beats and carefully timed rhymes. The sound that may have just crossed your mind is a genre of music called African Nguni-Trap. Known to a few, this genre of music was pioneered by underground hip-hop duo...
“Shoes & Coups: a paradox of the absurd” is a punchy satirical play on the state of contemporary global politics, the rise of civil activism and a controversial pair of shoes. Making her directorial debut at the Market Theatre is the young and upcoming Palesa Mazamisa who is mentored by...
Tione Nthabiseng Mbhele Martin says that she has been dancing ever since she came out of her mom’s womb. From a very young age, she knew that she was unique because of how easily she would catch difficult rhythmic dance patterns and how smoothly she would adapt to any music...
The roaring sound of young men singing Zulu songs of yesteryear, backed by the aptly timed banging of drums and bodies thrust into the air, are all a feast for the senses that spectators are so lucky to behold. All of this is courtesy of a traditional dance group, Kangaroo...