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.
Stories by: Atiyyah Khan
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.
The BLK JKS return around the sun
Returning with new album Abantu/Before Humans guitarist and vocalist Mpumelelo Mcata speaks about the band’s process, the importance of endurance and the meaning of a fresh start.
‘Barakat’ holds Cape Muslim culture up to the light
Directed by Amy Jephta and told in Afrikaaps, the film is a layered, intimate and infinitely human story about family that provides a powerful counter-narrative to Muslim stereotypes.
Phumlani Pikoli’s world without restriction
The multidisciplinary artist, whose novel was recently longlisted for the prestigious Sunday Times CNA Literary Awards, leaves behind a unique body of work to explore, and an ethos to inspire others.
Walking through Kalk Bay’s history
Artist and teacher Traci Kwaai tells the stories of the fishing community that has inhabited the area for generations, focusing on a history that is otherwise whitewashed.
African futurism through Sahel Sounds
Through DIY technology and a futuristic use of cellphones that is particular to Africa, the Sahel Sounds label has released roughly 60 albums in the past 10 years.
Kamyar Bineshtarigh’s world of words
With a deliberate randomness and the works of a beloved Persian poet, the Iranian artist combines language, text and writing imaginatively to create meaning – or shatter it.
Long Read | Digging into pan-African cultural memory
Digital archive Panafest – together with Chimurenga’s Festac ’77 – explores important moments in Africa’s history by reflecting on four massive political and cultural festivals.
New life for seminal sounds of The Beaters and Harari
Reissue of their two records from the 1970s allows listeners to experience the searching spirit that inspired their pan-African identity at a time of apartheid ethnic separation.
‘Jawwap!’ preserves Cape Malay history and memories
A new YouTube series delves into the wealth of stories that reside in the Cape Malay community, documenting the past for future generations and helping those who speak to heal.
Long Read | Sibongile Khumalo, teacher and icon
Matriarch of the arts and mentor to young musicians, the multi-talented singer’s profound musical and artistic contribution is remembered by those whose lives she touched.
After his debut, Tefo Mahola hungers for more
The Cape Town drummer’s distinctive, expressive style has earned him the nickname Talking Drum – and this debut album is only the beginning for the rising star.
‘Happenstance’: Shane Cooper’s sonic adventures
Inspired by tape collage, the artist used a vintage reel-to-reel tape machine to explore the possibilities of sound in a collaboration that is as captivating as it is distinctive.