Blacksmith

Blacksmith Forges a Communion of African Stories and Consciousness

The Market Theatre Foundation in collaboration with Arts Alive International Festival 2023,Arts, Culture and Heritage Presents The 2022 Zwakala Festival Winner production Blacksmith as part of the Arts Alive International Arts Festival programme which seeks to feature an array of creative offering to activate the artistic landscape.

The 2022 Zwakala Festival winners, Thabo Ramaine and Lonwabo Bhele, bring their thought-shifting production of Blacksmith to The Market Theatre, in perfect synchrony with the spirit of Heritage Month. This theatrical experience combines mask work with the mesmerizing harmonies of a live musician, weaving the threads of ancestral resonance and awakening the legacy of our heritage.

Writer and actor, Thabo Ramaine, offers a profound insight into the essence of the play: “The name ‘Blacksmith’ is a historical concept from the original meaning that describes the one who crafts weapons and sharpens metal with fire. The title of the play is the metaphor that describes the one who sharpens the mind and creates weapons of consciousness. The communion between fire and metal becomes the key significance of the communion between African stories and the minds that conceive them.”

Under the direction of Lonwabo Bhele and rooted in the urgent need to address mental slavery among Africans, Blacksmith employs inventive mask work and a live musician to bring its powerful narrative to life. When the lights come up, a man of profound significance takes center stage, entrusted with the sacred duty of preserving a heritage born from the crucible of struggle, taking you on a voyage that delves into the depths of African History’s untold truths.

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This production emerged through the Incubation Programme sponsored by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. With a firm commitment to nurturing emerging practitioners and honing their skills. The Incubation Programme places a strong emphasis on cultivating home-grown content. Blacksmith, a testament to this initiative, is set to generate excitement among audiences, offering a compelling perspective on African narratives.

This production confronts the pivotal moments that have shaped the African trajectory under the weighty yoke of colonialism and white supremacy. Brace your mind for an emotional odyssey that challenges preconceived notions, ignites introspection, and fosters a collective awakening. Through this performance, you will bear witness to the indomitable spirit that survives adversity and the unyielding resilience that forges a future rooted in empowerment and reclamation. Allow your thoughts to be provoked, your understanding to be stretched, and your perspective to be altered by this exploration of Africa’s past and its resonating echoes in the present.

“The Market Theatre Foundation takes immense pride in supporting and showcasing the most recent Zwakala Festival-winning work,” expressed Greg Homann, the Market Theatre Artistic Director. “Thabo Ramaine and Lonwabo Bhele’s production, Blacksmith, serves as a valuable reminder that acknowledging and engaging with the impact of our colonial past is vital. It sheds a piercing light, exposing the complexities and wounds that continue to shape our nation and sense of identity. The upcoming restaging of this work in Heritage Month will no doubt encourage dialogue and contribute to a path where, one day, our colonial legacy no longer haunts us.”

Blacksmith promises to be a theatrical encounter that delves deep into the struggles and triumphs of the African experience. With Lonwabo Bhele at the helm as director, supported by mentor director MoMo Matsunyane and dramaturge mentor Monageng “Vice” Motshabi, this production guarantees a transformative journey for all who experience it.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the fire of resilience ignite within the hearts of us, forging a renewed sense of identity and belonging.

Blacksmith is in the newly refurbished Barney Simon Theatre at The Market Theatre from 23 September to 8 October 2023. Book your tickets now to be part of this extraordinary exploration of African stories and consciousness.

Production Creative Team:

Writer & Actor:                                    Thabo Ramaine

Director:                                              Lonwabo Bhele

Mentor Director:                                  MoMo Matsunyane

Dramaturge Mentor:                           Monageng “Vice” Motshabi

Season:                                               23 September – 8 October 2023

Venue:                                                 The Mannie Manim Theatre 

Performers:

Thabo Ramaine

Mpho  Ramorola

To make block bookings and discounts please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 203/ 083 246 4950

 For further information, interviews and images, contact:

Brand and Communications Manager: Lusanda Zokufa 072 367 7867 or lusandaz@markettheatre.co.za

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CALL FOR ZWAKALA SHOWCASE 2023/2024

CALL FOR ZWAKALA SHOWCASE 2023/2024

The incubation programme is sponsored by the Department of Sports Arts and Culture Incubation Programme. Through this programme the department aims to help emerging practitioners to hone their skills through mentorship and propel them to professional status. The process also puts a strong emphasis on home-grown content to hopefully generate exciting new productions for the theatre-going public.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • All members of the group must have South African ID
  • Groups are to reside within boundaries of City of Johannesburg
  • Group members need to be between 18 and 35 years old
  • Only full-time theatre practitioners can apply, no students/learners allowed to participate
  • Groups must secure their own rehearsal venue for site visits and fieldwork. No rehearsal venue will be provided by Market Theatre
  • All groups must adhere to the confirmed site visit schedule, no deviations will be allowed. Failure to adhere will result in disqualification.
  • Failure to comply will all the requirements, will result in immediate disqualification
  • Rights of admission reserved

REQUIREMENTS:

Should you meet the above eligibility criteria, the following needs to be submitted for your application to be evaluated:

  • A duly completed showcase application form
  • Script
  • Production picture (minimum of two/ maximum of five pictures)
  • 100 word bios of the writer and the director
  • The total number of group members not to exceed ten
  • Technical Rider

IMPORTANT DATES:

When applying, groups must ensure that they are available for showcasing  as well as fieldwork. Site visits and fieldwork will be as per the festival schedule that will be shared with accurate dates per production.

Roll-out of the festival for 2023/2024 is as follows:

  • Selection 1: September 2023
  • Fieldwork 1 & Selection 2: September& October 2023
  • Fieldwork 2: November 2023
  • Ko Lapeng Showcase: December 2023
  • Fieldwork 3: January 2024
  • Zwakala Festival: February 2024
  • Zwakala Winner:
  • Rehearsals: 2 weeks pick-up rehearsals (Dates TBC)
  • Season: 2 weeks run (Dates TBC)

Applications can be submitted online by 08 September 2023  at 23:00

Correspondence will only be limited to successful groups

For enquiries, please contact the Festival Coordinator at proposals@markettheatre.co.za 

Market Theatre Foundation will not be liable to cover costs for rehearsal process during fieldwork phases. 

Right of Admission reserved

 

Applications are closed 

apply here

WOMAD 2023 – Bringing the WORLD to your doorstep!

Bringing the WORLD to your doorstep! WOMAD SA expands its offering with multiple genres

WOMAD @ The Market in Joburg hosts a three-day intensive series of performances and workshops (29 September to 1 October 2023) in and around The Market Theatre precinct. This ambitious and eclectic self-contained festival serves as a catalyst for Joburg’s inner city cultural rejuvenation.

The John Kani Theatre hosts a diverse variety of musically themed concerts. “The Night of the Legends” including The Mahotella Queens, African Jazz Pioneers and Vusi Mahlasela together with Guinean kora superstar N’Faly Kouyate and Aboriginal icon Shellie Morris and hosted by WOMAD SA patron Zolani Mkiva. “Bringing the World” features Senegalese mbalax greats Saintrick et Les Tchielly, Atse Tewodros Project from Ethiopia, American all-girl country group The Merlettes featuring our very own AuzTebza and the award-winning Herencios de Los Rios from Colombia. “Rap Nation” presented by The Music Arena showcases the diversity and creative brilliance of the hip-hop genre. The impressive line-up of established hip-hop icons Youngsta CPT, Blaklez, and Majorsteez alongside rising star Nu Edison and includes a Special Guest appearance from world renowned Australian rapper DRMNGNOW.

Kippies is the venue for Fringe Theatre works and will host a blend of fresh performances from young artists. The sets of work delve into questions of identity, hope, wellbeing, and historic awareness. The programmed pieces in the intimate 50-seater space promise an engaging journey for the audience who will be able to encounter inventive storytelling elements.

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The Mannie Manim Theatre hosts Blacksmith, the 2022 Zwakala Festival winners. Thabo Ramaine and Lonwabo Bhele bring their thought-shifting production to WOMAD, in perfect synchrony with the spirit of Heritage Month. This production confronts the pivotal moments that have shaped the African trajectory under the weighty yoke of colonialism.

The Barney Simon Theatre is the venue for Skin We Are In, a play with music for young audiences that offers fresh science-backed perspectives on race and diversity. It is based on the popular book by Sindiwe Magona and Nina Jablonksi. Performed by the Kwasha! Theatre Company – a small ensemble of exciting young talents that takes its name from the isiZulu interjection which, loosely translated, means ‘It’s on fire!’

The iconic Nikki’s Oasis will celebrate its 28-year legacy by hosting a program of international and local jazz which includes Beyond Words: AfroNaarm Showcase ft. Australian DRMNGNOW, legendary multi-instrumentalist Craig Calhoun (Australia/USA) and rising Zimbabwean stars Sylent, NGQ, Ceeko, Niasha and Tamvela.

The JazzLand exhibition and installation is created in dialogue with jazz appreciators from Katlehong. Ngoma kaMphahlele’s work takes us into the sounds and life of what he has termed JazzLand, an intergenerational confluence of music, image and life with an augmented reality element which embeds videos, sound and interactive multimedia content onto the exhibited photographs.

Another exciting offering includes a Visual Arts component curated by Sara Hallatt from OpenStudios. Joburg and the META Foundation. This program connects and extrapolates the music visually and provides festival audiences with a multisensory experience that is both memorable and immersive while introducing local visual artists to new audiences.

Across the square, AMPD Studios will host recording sessions and workshops -and in line with job creation and exposure The Newtown Mall Junction will host a Fashion Showcase in the Glass House featuring emerging young designers and musicians to round off a rich cultural weekend.

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Songs of Hope

Love Child Music(PTY) LTD Presents Songs Of Hope At Kippies Fringe Festival And Womad Festival 2023

We are excited to announce that LoveChild will be showcasing her production titled Songs of Hope, at Kippies Fringe Festival on the 27th Sept 19:30 and at WOMAD Festival 29th Sept 20:00 & 1st Oct 2023 16:00 at Market Theatre, Johannesburg. Tickets are available at Webticket at R100.

Songs of Hope is a collection of acoustic songs that explore the human experience through the lens of resilience, perseverance, and hope.

With simple yet powerful lyrics and melodies, the songs evoke a range of emotions, from sadness to joy. They may bring the listener to tears, but ultimately leave them feeling inspired and uplifted.

With 2 guitars, a flute and vocals, the songs feel intimate and personal, like a conversation between the artist and the listener. The songs of Songs of Hope are a powerful and moving exploration, like a warm embrace offering comfort and solace in the midst of adversity. The lyrics are both poetic and relatable, speaking to the heart of the listener. The melodies are simple yet haunting, staying with the listener long after the songs have ended. The songs are a testament to the human capacity for hope, and a reminder that we are all connected by our shared humanity.

For more information, please contact Vuyiseka Maguga on 0711459553 / lovechild_36@live.com

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Skin We Are In
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ZEMQADINI

Moving Acts Productions presents ZEMQADINI as part of the KIPPIES FRINGE PROGRAMME

ZemQadini is about a friendship that is glued by the aftermath of a tribal war in a small village in KwaZulu- Natal, these friends rely on each other to navigate the obscure and surreal reality they have or had.  It is a sensitive yet comical blend of memory and trauma, exploring disability, and heroism through a marriage of physical performance and Oral storytelling. Focusing on two friends one mute, one blind yet still bonded by memories and wounding dreams. This play explores and questions the idea of what remains after the war, and what kind of memory that carries on to historical archives.

Written by Sboniso Msimango, under the direction of Philisiwe Twijnstra, with Thamsanqa Khumalo as both AD and stage manager; the featured cast is Bongani Mbatha and Bhekani Shabalala.

ZemQadini will be performing on the 8th – 10th of September at 19:30 and 10th of September at 15:30

Tickets go for R100,00 at Webtickets

Skin We Are In
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Mayibuye iAfrika

Mayibuye iAfrika Concert: A celebration of exiled South African musicians and composers

Renowned South African guitarist Billy Monama will bring us closer to our past to help us reimagine our future during Heritage Month in September when he joins a number of legendary South African artists like Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Judith Sepuma and Titi Luzipo live on stage in Johannesburg.

During a one-night-only limited-tickets concert called Mayibuye iAfrika: The Freedom Songs, Monama will present a musical journey and conversation between two generations of ancestral artists, finally culminating in a reminder of what makes South African music resonate deeply with Africans and the rest of the world.

From the choice of venue to scholarly discussions around the concert and its celebratory participants, the concert aims to be a “re-visioning of heritage music for modern ears,” says Monama.

The concert will be held at the iconic Theatre of Struggle – the Market Theatre in Newtown Johannesburg – on 9 September 2023. In two parts, the event will pay homage to a first exile generation of indomitable composers and a second exile generation of musicians.

Part one will comprise choral freedom songs from the earliest compositions recorded by ANC exiles in what was called Tanganyika, now Tanzania. The fresh arrangement will feature work by Vuyisile Mini, Zinakele Nkaba and Wilson Khayingo.

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Under the direction of Monama and led by The Grazroots Project Orkestra, the second segment will pay tribute to the anti-apartheid stalwarts and towering figures in the local and international music landscape, Letta Mbulu,  Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa and Hugh Masekela.

The musical spectacular will also feature contemporary artists who specialise in different South African music genres and across a range of historical time frames. The pieces will showcase legendary drummer, saxophonist, composer and activist Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, award-winning, afro-funk, jazz and gospel singer Judith Sephuma, and a household name in the Afro Jazz and soul genres Titi Luzipo, as well as a surprise guest artist.

The concert will be a feast for music scholars, aspiring and current musicians, as well as Maskandi, Kwela, Mbaqanga and African jazz connoisseurs and fans.

”This is a journey created to heal through song and reawaken consciousness as we revisit South African classics that celebrate past South African composers and musicians,” adds Monama.

Mayibuye iAfrika: The Freedom Songs will be remembered as vital to documenting and disseminating South Africa’s generational music knowledge and a source of musical inspiration.

About Billy Monama:

A guitarist since 1997, composer, arranger and teacher Billy Monama has gone on to perform and record with a host of South Africa’s legends including Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Abigail Kubeka and others. While his music is often ineffable, Monama exalts South Africa’s jazz genius through his arrangements and performances.

Notes to Editors:

Artists featured in the line-up are available for radio, print and TV interviews.

Tickets are available at web tickets at R350 per person. Early bird tickets are sold at R280 until 16 August 2023.

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Thando Dhaza – thando@tishalacommunications.com | +27 79 429 8263

OR

Nomsa Mdhluli – nomsa@tishalacommunications.com | +27 71 628 6231

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Cradle of Creativity Festival

Cradle of Creativity 2023 offers a feast of engaging arts for young theatre goers

The 2023 Cradle of Creativity festival is an 8 day long city-wide celebration of unforgettable encounters. The dynamic roving international performing arts festival for children and young people is hosted by The Market Theatre and offers the very best performing arts for young audiences from across the continent and the world. This year’s theme “The Stories That Move Us” will build a rich legacy of diversity, creativity & opportunity that will continue to generate energy and activity long after the final curtain call.

Cradle of Creativity is meticulously curated in Women’s month, August, by one of the foremost young female curators of our time, Faye Kabali Kagwa, who was recognized as a Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South African in 2021. “This festival continues to take seriously our youngest citizens and engage them in a creative way, while being an exciting platform for artists from South Africa, the continent and the world” says Kabali-Kagwa.

The festival will feature some of the very best in South African theatre with performances from all provinces, speaking to children from as young as 2 to young adults. We have a range of voices present, from youth voices to professional theatre companies: these include “Skin We Are In” by the Kwasha Theatre Company, “Stories We See” by Gcebile Dlamini, featuring children from the Johannesburg Society for The Blind, “Bounced” by Cape Town based theatre company Magnet Theatre, a leader in early years theatre, and the musical extravaganza, “Mwana wa Mvula” by Kimberley’s Amandla Dance Teatro ZA: these are just some of the bold voices to make up the festival programme on the South African front.

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Cradle also boasts a rich series of international productions presented by Netherlands theatre company, de Stilte; Danish theatre company, Batida; Carre Blanc Cie from France; La Guimbarde from Belgium; the Joshua Monten Dance Company from Switzerland; Ishyo theatre from Rwanda; Teatro Al Vacio from Mexico, and Maas Foundation from Pakistan. Performances take place at the Market theatre, Windybrow Arts Centre, Sibikwa Arts Centre and the National Children’s Theatre as well as at selected schools and community centres. In addition, some of the dance productions will be travelling to the Jomba! Contemporary Dance festival in Durban, in partnership with the Centre for Creative Arts.

In addition, there is a rich Professional programme aimed at artists, teachers, and subject advisors, with workshops, panel discussions and presentations from across the globe taking place daily according to a range of focus areas. To further extend the international element, the ASSITEJ international Executive Committee meeting and an African regional workshop as part of the BABEL, EU-funded ASSITEJ project, will be housed at the festival, ensuring the representation of more than 30 countries in person at the festival.

We are also excited to introduce the Young Critics Programme which is an integral part of the festival and sees youth voices reviewing and critiquing productions, using a variety of styles and media.

The festival producer, another powerful female leader within the arts sector, Yvette Hardie, the Director of ASSITEJ SA, says “this will be a Cradle of Creativity festival to savour and enjoy. We are delighted to bring the festival to Gauteng for the first time, where we hope new audiences and artists will be attracted to participate in and access the performing arts for children and young people. We encourage families, schools and community groups to engage with the festival and ensure that South African children realise the power of their imaginations to make positive change happen.”

Cradle of Creativity will open on the 20th of August and wrap up on the 27th of August, with a closing ceremony at the Market Theatre. The festival is supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Department of Basic Education, as well as a number of cultural agencies that include: British Council Wales, Pro Helvetia, Government of Flanders, Wallonie-Bruxelles Internationale, the French Institute of South Africa, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, the Goethe Institute, the Swedish Embassy and Performing Arts Fund NL.

All programme information and tickets are available on www.cradleofcreativity.com.

For more information please contact:

Yvette Hardie (producer): director@assitej.org.za

Faye Kabali-Kagwa (curator): cradle@assitej.org.za

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Femme is Fatale

Zietsman returns to The Market Theatre with a gender-based violence cabaret

This Women’s Day, the English/Afrikaans cabaret Femme is Fatale will open at The Market Theatre for a limited season until the 18 August 2023.

In this original contemporary cabaret written by Bruce J Little and directed by Eloise Clasen, stage veteran Elzabé Zietsman and pianist Tony Bentel use stories and songs to shine a spotlight on gender-based Violence.

Most women are confronted by gender-based violence, but not enough of us are talking about it.  Zietsman compels you to engage and listen in this cutting cabaret about womanhood, dreams, love, friendship, acceptance, and murder.

Marna, Lian and Khanyi are three women trying to ride out life’s challenges and realise their dreams of better lives. However, like countless other women, they are confronted with gender-based violence.

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Marna feels old after Koos, her husband of 30 years, left her for someone younger. She adopts a dog and plans a visit to her daughters in Australia.  Lian knows from a very young age that she is trapped in the wrong body.  She saves every cent she makes to pay for hormone therapy and the necessary operations, so that she can be her true self.  Khanyi cleans houses and dreams of studying beauty therapy.  She walks long distances to work and back to save enough money to break the domestic worker cycle of the woman in her family.  These three women not only share chasing their dreams, they also get confronted by the same monster.

Elzabé Zietsman last performed at The Market Theatre in the late eighties. Since then she has built a prolific career as one of South Africa’s leading cabaret artists, mastering this form of performance. Earlier this year, this cutting cabaret was nominated for a kykNET Fiësta for best music-driven production.

Zietsman’s courageous and memorable performance in Femme is Fatale is an opportunity to see her at the top of her game. She tackles a script which offers a blistering account of women’s lives, and integrates songs that result in a heartfelt and moving show.

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AZANIA

AZANIA

“Journey of hopes and disappointments”

Story told in 3 forms, music, storytelling, and art exhibition. Azania recently published as a book.

The play’s open speech quotes the words of Paul Mashal in one of Tom Feelings book. “The Psychological and spiritual journey that we must take back into the past in order to move forward. She said deal with it if you want to create a future that really reflect you”

Bantu Africa takes us on his personal journey that starts in the late 1980’s, after unbearable thought of losing his family from an angry mob that burn down his family house suspecting his father of whistle blowing for the apartheid government. Bantu a man in no politics or any revolution struggle focusing on working for his daughter, 1993 returns home and find his 14-year-old daughter missing. Entering new South Africa still searching and longing for his daughter.

This music meets storytelling production is a winner of INSIKA MAN’S FESTIVAL 2018 at KCAP, where adjudicators were Mondli Makhoba, Wiseman Mncube and Thokozani Zulu. 2019 it was part of Durban Playhouse CAF under the eyes of Matjamela Motloung and Musa Hlatshwayo. 2020 it was nominated best production, best actor, and best script on ZABALAZA THEATRE FESTIVAL, curated by Mndu Kweyama, Bongile Matsayi. Later it was invited to be part of PLAYHOUSE NEW STAGES Festival and funded to be staged at STABLE THEATRE by NAC pesp grant. Now is published as a book. 

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Actor sbusiso Sithole portrays all the characters in this one man show. Sithole is an experienced actor who has engaged on UZALO, IMBEWU and other stage theatre productions. His storytelling is accompanied by a musician HloniphaniArt Mthethwa. Whom with his skills has travelled the world of India, new Orlins. Now working with great Mbuso khoza on releasing his new EP.

“I have read and engaged on writings of our legends. Mbongeni Ngema, John Kani, Athol Figured, Zakes Mda, the writings of apartheid and South African history. What I noticed all these writers lived and experienced those times. I choose to write the same story, but I was not Part of the South African history or experienced the apartheid system. I write as someone who is affected of the apartheid and this country history. I am affected economical, political, social, and religiously in a sense that I am not sure of my beliefs. I regard this play as a consent letter to my brothers and sister of this country. It is an open letter to the eyes of those who have an impact, but never got a chance to reflect so they can understand the course. A letter that reads the justification of the black youth lacking behind from their white peers.” (Xola Mziwakhe speaks)

Tickets sales:

  • Dates:  26th -29th July 2023
  • Price: Full price R100
  • Address:  Kippies Fringe venue @ The Market Theatre
  • Tickets available at Market Theatre box office or webtickets

Production Credits

Writer and Director: Xola Mziwakhe

Stage and Project Manager: Nompilo Ntshangese

Artwork and Exhibition: Khulekani Mkhize

Sonwa Sakuba Institute For Performing Art

Isigqi Somhlaba Art Projects (ISA-PROJECT)

Performers and creative team available for interviews – contact Mampho Moshoeshoe

Cell: 0674071710      email: mamphomoshoeshoe@gmail.com

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Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers

Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers

Javier Vercher, Saxophone Tenor
Afrika Mkhize, Piano
Ayanda Sikade, Drums / Percussions
Bänz Oester, Bass

The Rainmakers continue a tradition that relatively few formations claim today. We immediately think of the so-called spiritual jazz, whose heyday stretched from the mid-1960s to the middle of the following decade. They give us this ‘old religion’, not as superstitious bigotry, but in terms of what binds us back, a precious sense of human belonging, brotherhood and sisterhood.

Most jazz musicians today focus their research on complex and elaborate structures, be it rhythmic, harmonic or melodic. Many current productions can therefore be perceived as a demonstration of discipline and work to which body and mind can be subjected in order to achieve a result: speed, precision, control, etc. The Rainmakers’ music breaks this trend. Of course, individual virtuosity and creativity are in the foreground (the four members of the quartet are all masters of improvisation and have a phenomenal power of expression), but this music also tells of the pursuit of freedom, revolt and rebellion against systems of control and against oppression in the world general, as well as the need for transcendence and humanity. Through their interplay, the musicians tirelessly affirm their spiritual aspirations and their need to free themselves from all forms of constraints. In doing so they continue a tradition that relatively few formations can claim today (except perhaps in South Africa, and so the presence of Afrika Mkhize and Ayanda Sikade in the quartet is undoubtedly crucial). One immediately thinks of John Coltrane’s 4tet, but also of the other apostles of so-called spiritual jazz, whose heyday stretched from the mid-1960s to the middle of the following decade. This music is strikingly relevant today. At a time when control algorithms are becoming more efficient and machines are reaching and even surpassing the physical and mental capabilities of humans, the offer of Bänz Oester,

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Javier Vercher, Afrika Mkhize and Ayanda Sikade is undoubtedly what we need most: they give us this ancient religion, not as superstitious bigotry, but as what binds us back together, a precious sense of human belonging, brotherhood and sisterhood.

The musicians not only play their instrument, they ARE the instrument itself; they are the sound, fully present in the now, generating pure joy and together they create a sound that seems to influence the universe. The Rainmakers make everything bloom. The band leader Bänz Oester and Javier Vercher (tenor sax) come from Europe, the pianist Afrika Mkhize and the drummer Ayanda Sikade are among the high-flyers from South Africa. The four of them form a sworn unit that cannot be divided by anything or anyone. In other words, we are dealing with a formation in which the individual class of all participants is not displayed in an egocentric manner but is transformed into collective energy. Oester, who has had a long-standing fascination with the extremely rich musical culture of Africa, puts it this way: “I want to communicate with the other musicians on an equal footing. This requires a certain attitude that does not tolerate hierarchical thinking. I’m all about breaking boundaries. I don’t dictate anything to anyone – the music is developed together.” Namely along a high-voltage line between north and south.

Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers will be performing in Johannesburg at the Market Theatre on the John Kani stage on Friday 7 July 2023 (7pm) and Sunday 9 July 2023 (3pm). Bookings through WebTickets.

www.rainmakers.info

jbo@rainmakers.info

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