Experience Fanda, an African-Spanish story

Fanda, an African-Spanish story, invites audiences on an extraordinary journey through time and culture.

This multidisciplinary production seamlessly weaves together live original music, captivating narratives, dynamic dance, and compelling audio-visuals to explore the African roots of flamenco.

Beginning in Africa, the performance unravels the profound influence of African music on European genres like Chacones, Sarabandas, Fandangos, Tangos, and more.

Tracing historical routes of slavery, the narrative traverses imperial Seville and culminates in America, offering a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the African heritage.

Original music by composer César Tovar Cruz, beautifully sung by Rey Chams and Johannesburg south’s Nobuhle Nyirenda, sets the stage for this immersive experience.

Accompanied by guitar virtuosos Micah Myles and Lebz Muzo, as well as percussionist Sifiso Maseko, the performance blends traditional flamenco with echoes of Manuel de Falla and Albéniz, seamlessly integrating African rhythms and modern sounds like hip-hop and R&B.

Fanda also features striking visuals, incorporating videos from esteemed artists like Naiot Ortiz, Pepe Arespacochaga, and film director Antonio Palacios.

The production draws on extracts from the acclaimed Spanish film Los Negros (2022), directed by Antonio Palacios. It provides a poignant portrayal of African brotherhoods in Seville over five centuries.

Narrated by the talented actress and dancer Thando Boulevard, Fanda weaves a mesmerizing tale from its origins in southern Africa, through the treacherous voyage on slave ships, to the vibrant tapestry of Seville, tracing the birth of flamenco and the epic voyages to America. This narrative is a tribute to the age-old tradition of African storytellers, seamlessly blending original text and flamenco poetry with centuries of history.

Composer and director César Tovar Cruz leads an ensemble of exceptional live musicians, including Rey Chams, Nobuhle Nyirenda, Micah Myles, Lebz Muzo, and Sifiso Maseko. The choreography, expertly executed by Nxbuhle, Thando and Lolly, infuses vibrant energy into every moment of the performance.

The production will take place on September 29, at The John Kani Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana Street, Newtown at 19:30. Tickets cost R120 on webticket.

For more information, contact César Tovar Cruz at 060 917 4886 or email cestovarcruz@culturemanagement.es or contact Nobuhle Nyirenda at 073 353 1718 or email nobuhle@contentca.co.za