Artists in residence reflect their Makhanda life
Two collectives, Spaza and orangcosong, took up residencies at the National Arts Festival and created projects that speak to the town and the spaces they found themselves in.
Stories by: Atiyyah Khan
A new stage for the National Arts Festival
The organisers had to get inventive to hold the festival in Makhanda again this year, but are passionate about ensuring that it thrives for artists as well as audiences.
Mike Mzileni, the gentle giant of photojournalism
He may have been a quiet man, but the reverence afforded him by the photographers in his orbit speaks volumes about his passion for photography, music and passing on his knowledge.
Papers from the Left
Revolutionary Papers is a forward-thinking archive of anti-colonial zines, newspapers and flyers that taps into popular print culture to offer historical context and present-day relevance.
Giving power to Sudan’s Beja people through music
A rare album of music typical of this isolated and neglected community sheds light on their traditions and what they hold dear, and invites the world to get to know them.
New Shane Cooper & Mabuta album gets into the groove
With the band’s second release, Finish the Sun, the bandleader finds inspiration anew in rediscovering his love of the guitar. As a result, he leans into funk and African groove.
South African history, through Rashid Lombard’s lens
The struggle photojournalist, activist and jazz photographer has given UWC custody of his archive, with plans to digitise it and start an accessible photography centre.
Intifada 1987: The story of a rare Palestinian album
A rare recording featuring Palestinian artist Riad Awwad and poet Mahmoud Darwish has resurfaced, found amid a collection of 12 000 old cassette tapes in the West Bank.
Labour of love is a treasure trove of jazz history
Journalist and author Sam Mathe’s ‘From Kippie to Kippies And Beyond’ profiles four generations of South African musicians, most of whom had been languishing in obscurity.
The myth, music and magic of Club Pelican
By its very existence, Soweto’s first nightclub defied apartheid. And as people of all races mixed, many budding musicians got the chance to fine-tune their talents too. Now a new album honours it.
Ayanda Sikade honours his grandmother on ‘Umakhulu’
The drummer has fond memories of his childhood home in Mdantsane, where his grandmother allowed him the freedom to immerse himself in music. Hence his latest album is dedicated to her.
Thomas Mapfumo on music, politics and unity
Mukanya’s heart will always reside in Zimbabwe, but calling out politicians in his music has made it difficult for him to live there. He is also ready to pass on the mantle.
Herbie Tsoaeli’s temple of timelessness
The acclaimed bassist returns with a second album, At This Point In Time launched in early November. It is rooted in heritage and pays homage to his jazz ancestors.
Remembering history with Kudzanai Chiurai’s library
The Zimbabwean artist has created an extraordinary listening space filled with vinyl records of historical import ranging from political speeches to African struggle songs.
‘On Our Own Clock’ defies space and time
A collaboration between artists from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Senegal has produced an album that keeps a sense of community alive, even in times apart.
The indefinable genius of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
A personal reflection on the legacy of Jamaican producer and artist Lee “Scratch” Perry, known for his innovations in sound. Known for his eccentricity too.
Stiff Pap stir up youthful defiance on ‘Tuff Time$’
The duo’s latest album reflects the experiences of two young Black men in Johannesburg who’ve come into their own despite the many odds stacked against them.
Andre Petersen was selfless when it came to jazz
The pianist was a musician’s musician who valued passing on his vast knowledge. As one collaborator put it, there’ll never be another piano player with his sound.
Libyan exile’s life captured vividly on film
The recently released documentary The Colonel’s Stray Dogs provides a political and personal perspective of Libya under the rule of the late Muammar Gaddafi.
Thania Petersen’s multimedia Taxi Project
The Cape Town artist who works to redefine the stereotypes associated with her heritage is bringing art to the people for whom it is made by wrapping vinyl images around a taxi.
Artists rise up for Palestine
The quick response of artists around the world to the latest attacks has helped advocate for Palestinians. We interview some of these artists to get their perspective on the work they’re making.