The International Heritage Festival is coming to Joburg
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Loading... - Brenda Cotton
- 08 Feb 2022
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The cultural expressions of African and diasporic communities share a common foundation, a fight for the recognition of their humanity, and the importance of acknowledging their role in its history. In 2022, the festival explores Humanity’s future under the theme of Human[U]nity: after the global pandemic hit during the peak of climate discussions all around the globe, Humanity must now figure out how to survive, together, as one!
Concerts, Collaborations and Local Market! (5 March 2022 – 4pm to 12pm )
A unique line-up, featuring acclaimed artists from USA, France and Southern Africa coming together for the first time on stage : The Brother Moves On (SA), “Freedom Songs Project’’ Feat. Msaki (SA), Gontse Makhene (SA) , Malcolm Jiyane (SA), Bholoja (SZ), students from the ‘Morris Isaacson Center for Music’. It will also be the first appearance of Raashan Ahmad (USA) in South Africa, who has worked with Blackalicious, Jurassic 5, (The Roots), Aloe Blacc, Nicola Conte, Djeuhdjoah and Lieutenant Nicholson (FR) with Cool Affair (SA) and a DJ Line-up: NickyB (Kaya959), 2lani the Warrior, Shamrock Guitor
The Locrate Market – Soweto’s famous market will present 15 stalls with delicious food and local arts and crafts for a day of fun and culture ( https://locrate.co.za/ )
Conversations and discussions (4 March 2022)
‘We have now, more than ever, the responsibility to build today for a better tomorrow!’
A series of conversations and exchanges exploring the theme of Human[U]nity. Open to the public and facilitated by Nicky Blumenfeld (Kaya959), guest speakers will include Benjamin Levy [Festival Director, promoter, educator], Azah (master percussionist and music therapist) and others.
What is the “The Freedom Songs Project”?
In South Africa, struggle songs have played a major political role and Hugh Masekela once described the country’s journey to liberation as a ‘musical revolution’. Since the Covid pandemic, artists are once again using their voices to express the sentiments of the people and/or encourage hope, resilience and healing.
The Freedom Songs Project is an interactive live collaborative performance, curated specifically for the festival, making a musical ‘moment in history’ and igniting a way forward! During this history-making event, artists will honour the South-African ‘musical revolution’ tradition.
‘The Brother Moves On’ an eclectic, barrier-breaking musical art ensemble from Johannesburg, will perform as the backdrop for guest appearances from acclaimed artists. These guests include the powerful, poignant, South African singer-songwriter from the Eastern Cape, Msaki, as well as Swaziland’s Bholoja and his evocative voice and soulful folk guitar playing. Also joining the project are South African master percussionist and composer Gontse Makhene, and 16 students from Soweto’s iconic institution, the ‘Morris Isaacson Center for Music’. Read More…
