Nduduzo Makhathini, one of South Africa’s leading pianists will perform a sequence of concerts, Singing as a way of Being in the World, at Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch this weekend (Friday 11 to Sunday 13 March).
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. The symbolism of these rituals will be anchored on the trinity that governs an African world view,” said Makhathini. “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 the rituals are clearly articulated in sequence of the three themed concerts – Preparation (Friday); Elsewhere (Saturday); and The Return (Sunday).
The first concert, Preparation, will feature singer Thandiswa Mazwai with the symbolic colour being red – a symbol of light. One of the rituals to be explore is the of a period of ukuphahla, when a traditional healer is preparing to take a journey of a calling of healing. Said Makhathini: “This performance will explore the language of the spirits there by inviting through ukuphahla to guide us on a journey ahead.”
The second concert, Elsewhere, features Msaki and will focus on the training of the traditional healer. “This performance seeks to enter the realms of the spirit and take the audience on a journey towards the unknown where healing reside,” explained Makhathini, adding that the symbolic colour will be green, symbolising spiritual growth.
The last concert, The Return, will feature Omagugu Makhathini and looks at the graduation of the traditional healer with white as the symbolic colour as it represents purity. “This performance captures a celebratory spirit and new knowledge of self,” Makhathini pointed out.
Throughout the concert series, the musicians will be accompanied by a band comprising Nduduzo Makhathini (piano, vocals and prophetic word), Robin Fassie Kock (trumpet and flugel horn), Ariel Zamonsky (double bass), Ayanda Sikade (drums) and Gontse Makhene (percussion).
Firday and Saturday’s concert start at 20:00, while Sunday’s event starts ar 15:00. Tickets to the inidvidual concerts cost R350 per person, or book a weekend pass at R900. Reserve your seat online at https://qkt.io/SxSksV.
