Utnubu Movement presented Izigqi Harmonies, an experimental music initiative that juxtaposes different genres and rhythms at Marlboro sports grounds on March 15.
The music incorporates explorative physical theatre and native sounds into a colourful performing art. Izigqi’s decolonising conceptual framework is not only placed in the vocally and physicalised content but rather the indigenisation of musical patterns with a precise and deliberate intention to break away from their conventional placements.
A coordinator of programmes and the producer of Izigqi Harmonies Lihle Nene said, “We realised that the theatre doesn’t make sense if someone stands, acts and then you shoot [film] them to watch it on the screen. It’s better if you watch it live, and we then sat down and asked ourselves what could help people who are not on stage to understand theatre.
“We then thought maybe music can be recorded even though it won’t be in a film landscape… we came up with an idea of merging music with theatre because physical theatre is an embolic movement.”
Nene said moving forward they wished to establish these programmes as commercial platforms on TV, Showmax and Netflix so that there would be reality shows that speak to the struggles of theatrical creations.
“If there would be a platform that shows the struggle of the theatre on TV, even though Multichoice will be getting some money, we believe that theatre will receive some funding because there are not enough funds that support theatre programmes.”
Iziqgi’s focus is on commercials to attract local and international investors, sponsors and partners to invest in the programme and provide them with the required equipment to capture the film.
Izigqi Harmonies has a YouTube channel that allows artists to express themselves to a broader audience.
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