‘Imibala Unplugged’ aims to unearth local talent
FOLLOWING the Imibala Arts Festival earlier this year, Pachamama Project Productions is bringing Imibala Unplugged to the Tramways Building next Friday.
World musician and founder of Pachamama Productions, Tarynne Swarts, said Imibala Unplugged came about after the success of the festival earlier this year.
“Many audience members kept asking when the next Imibala Arts Festival would be and I really wanted to host another event as a follow-up and also to build up hype for next year,” Swarts said.
“It’s an acoustic setup and the aim of the festival is to grow, boost and develop emerging artists from the northern areas and townships,” she said.
Swarts said the idea behind Imibala Unplugged was “unearthing local talent”.
The lineup will include the likes of Scheubles, Lesedi Milongo, Julian Roy and Miss Jay.
Roy, from Kleinskool, described his sound as Afro-soul infused with jazz, pop and funk.
He has been singing for the past four years but quipped that “musically I only came out of the closet” in September last year.
“Last year I had the courage to step out of my shell and perform in front of people for the first time. Previously I’d only been singing in church.”
Nelson Mandela University student Milongo said Imibala Unplugged was a great initiative and that she was looking forward to performing.
“It’s a great platform for emerging artists.
“PE needs an event like this and hopefully it will grow into something bigger and create a market for such events,” Milongo said.
The 23-year-old full-time student added that her music career happened by chance but became a way to express herself creatively.
Imbila Unplugged, on August 25, starts at 7pm at the Tramways building.
Tickets at R50 per person are available from the Athenaeum or at the door on the night.