Pianist Jabulani Nkosi presents autism awareness show in Bay
Award-winning Eastern Cape autistic pianist Jabulani Nkosi will be in Gqeberha on Saturday to educate and entertain audiences at the Mendi Arts Centre in New Brighton with his latest drama and music production.
Self-taught Nkosi, 21, is bringing Just Different Not Less to the city as part of a provincewide tour to simultaneously create autism awareness and enthral arts lovers.
The former Standard Bank Ovation Award winner from East London will share the stage with Gqeberha: The Empire actor and musician Likhey Booi as well as former Joyous Celebration choir member Nobathembu Mabeka-Mhlongo, among others.
The show centres on a family which was confronted with having to raise a child with a development condition that was unknown to them.
Nkosi’s mother, Yolande, who is assisting with the production and has had first-hand experience of raising a child on the autism spectrum, said the production was meant to raise awareness about autism and acceptance for the condition.
“The diagnosis is increasing rapidly and affects a significant number of people adversely,” she said.
“We first took [the production] to the Makhanda National Arts Festival then to the Guild Theatre in East London.”
Yolande said Nkosi’s musical journey had started on his sixth birthday when they gave him a plastic piano.
“When we sang the “Happy
Birthday” song he played it on his toy, to the disbelief of all people present.
“We decided there and then to buy a keyboard to nurture and develop his natural musical skill further.
“He [Nkosi] is a self-taught pianist and he sometimes attempts to play drums and the guitar, and he has also not been taught those instruments.
“He draws utmost fulfilment when playing his musical instruments.
“This satisfaction becomes enhanced when he plays with other artists in front of an audience.
“It seems therapeutic for him and he does not disappoint.”
Booi said when Nkosi approached him to be part of the performance he had not been able to refuse.
“I remember a friend of mine had a sister who was autistic.
“I was young, I never really thought people with autism could actually do stuff like creating music or anything.
“It is inspiring to watch, that is why I could not say no to JR’s show,” he said.
“It is also motivating other children to understand how talented people with autism are and I am glad I’m part of this show.”
Nelson Mandela University professor Nokhanyo Mdzanga will also be on hand to explain the autism spectrum.
After Gqeberha, the production will be taken to Komani and Mthatha.
Tickets for the show are available at Computicket and the show will start at 2pm and continue until late.