The Sibikwe Arts Indigenous Orchestra in Celebration | Looking at ...

Heritage.
I am acutely uncomfortable with the subject of ?heritage? in South Africa. There is a sense in which many South Africans, of which I am one, are not sure just what belongs in the ?heritage? box. We are who we are and have few clear lines to trace back to a particular ethnic group, language or place. We are generic South Africans. That is, I suppose, our heritage. This is important to mention as a presupposition when dealing with a concept like the ?African Indigenous Orchestra? which is really something that is simply generically African, without too many clear lines back to something which existed in a pure form at any one place.

African Music Instruments.

The Sibekwa Africa Indigenous Orchestra play a variety of instruments from various parts of Africa, not only from Southern Africa and then they mix these with western instruments. The music they play would perhaps have frightened a group of 18th century herdsmen in their rural reaches. It certainly owes more to Motown?s influence than Princess Magogo?s efforts to save traditional Nguni music. This is not a criticism, just a reflection on the ?generic South African? thing. It is, as the press release says, ?a unique blend of sounds and rhythms reminiscent of the old and new South African music scene.?

The show itself had absolutely no didactic element whatsoever. I had expected one and it never materialised. I have been privileged, over the years, to attend shows where the kudu horns, dinaka pipes, kalimbas, uhadis and makubes have been demonstrated and played. Here they were just played and if one has the background one knows which instrument is which and if one does not have the background one can just settle in to enjoy the sound.

The sound is enjoyable indeed. Afro-pop, Latin American jazz, polyrhythms and traditional jazz all fuse to make a joyful noise. The orchestra has travelled widely, both internationally and in South Africa and they have now released their first CD, Celebration, which is as much fun as the show was. Tlale Makhene leads the orchestra in a variety of bright, cheerful, upbeat numbers which includes one of South Africa?s best known pieces of music, Meadowlands. It is easy and pleasant listening.

The musicians are Tlale Makene, Siya Makuzeni, Esther Maumela, Thokozani Nsibande, Lucky Tshimbudzi, Lydia Mokhele, Bebe Shongwe, Percy Mbonani, Siya Makuzeni, Siyabulela Sifatyi, Thandi Dube, and Mokhalinyana Mokhere.

I saw a performance of ?Celebration? on Youth Day, 16 June 2012, at The Market Theatre. For more information go to www.sibikwa.co.za or indigenousorchestra.blogspot.com. You can hear them on 4, 5 and 6 July at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

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Multi-skilled, trained theologian (Christian), administrator and journalist, I conduct weddings, funerals and facilitate spiritual growth workshops. Theatre, music, dance and visual arts are my passions. I have been making my musical musings, theatre talks and dance dialogues public since February 1999 when I acquired access to the internet. Books are another passion, and I have a particular interest in South African ecology and history.

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