Music festival planned at the Playhouse Company this weekend
Zulu music legends, Madala Kunene and Themba Mokoena, will be celebrated with a two-day audio-visual presentation in the Durban city centre.
SOUND engineer and filmmaker, Malcolm Nhleko, brings a music festival to Durban audiences this weekend, on September 16 and 17.
According to New Germany resident Nhleko, it is vital to preserve this musical heritage for future generations. The sound engineer tours with famous South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and his documentaries were shown at the recent Durban International Film Festival.
Nhleko celebrates music legends, Madala Kunene and Themba Mokoena, with a two-day audio-visual presentation at the Playhouse Company. Attendance is free, and the festival aims to bring the public closer to the artists who made a significant impact on South African music culture.
The format includes Nhleko’s documentaries on the two musicians, and live performances by the artists, presentations on the importance of preserving indigenous Zulu music and instruments, and guest appearances by the choir of the University of Zululand and instrumentalist Zawadi Yamungu. Friday’s programme focuses on Madala Kunene, and Saturday’s programme features Themba Mokoena.
“I wanted to bring the unique stories of these masters of South African music to people. Each musician has their own amazing story that should be seen and heard, as they give hope and motivation to future generations,” says Nhleko.
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Kunene has made music since the age of seven. His first instrument was a tin guitar with three strings which he made himself. He became a professional musician in 1971, and in addition to being an accomplished guitarist, he plays the mouth organ with emotion and skill.
Kunene feels that it would be beneficial to society for government to support a programme of skills transfer from elder musicians to the youth.
Event: Legends Speak Heritage Festival
Date: September 16 at 11:00 and September 17 at 14:00
Venue: Playhouse Company
Entrance: Free
