Musicians to share African vibes
A duo of African musicians will be bringing the sound of traditional African instruments to ArtEC on Wednesday evening.
Master Mozambique timbila performer Vernancio Junio Mbande and South African kora player Joe Makhanza will perform at the gallery at 36 Bird Street.
The International Library of African Music at Rhodes University, Pro-Helvetia, is bringing the artists to Port Elizabeth.
Limpopo-born Makhanza studied music at Wits University and now is doing his masters degree in ethnomusicology at Rhodes University, where he also teaches.
His sound explores an eclectic mix of Afro-fusion, mbaqanga and world music and not only does he play these instruments, he also makes them.
Multi-instrumentalist Makhanza has travelled and played abroad, and plays the kora, mbira, valiha, masenqo, xiwewe, ngoni ba and xizambi – just to name a few.
The sound of a kora resembles that of a harp, although when played in the traditional style, it more closely resembles the sound of flamenco.
Mbande has had a significant role in reviving Chopi timbila music, helping to give due recognition to this African musical tradition.
The timbila – similar to a marimba – gives a unique, complex music style which is not widely known or understood.
Mbande and his family have also been involved in reviving the actual sneezewood forests in northern Mozambique from which the wood to make the timbila is harvested, as the instruments had nearly disappeared due to deforestation.
Tickets are R100, at the door. The show starts at 6pm.