Flaunting the audacity to be
Performance artist Tankiso Mamabolo blends her many strengths in a solo show for Women’s Month
TANKISO Mamabolo is a name to look out for. She’s already made waves with her appearances in
and a debut music show last year. And this week, as we all celebrate Women’s Month, this award-winning multifaceted performer will hit an electrifying note as she brings her latest solo show, to the Baxter.
I caught the talented young performance artist between rehearsals and last-minute preparations, and she tells me the show is a combination of all the roles she plays – writer, actress and musician. “It’s something that would come naturally from me – last year I did it successfully in a small format. I wanted to speak out. What I’ve noticed is that marginalised people are always the only ones leading the conversation – so I thought this show could give them a mouthpiece,” Mamabolo says.
“As a black woman, it’s important that the first thing to love and celebrate is yourself.”
She tackles issues from femicide to transphobia. “I sing about them in a metaphorical sense and put out the message of the harshness meted out to them.”
Through the use of screened images, Mamabolo illustrates this, and says music ties it all together.
She draws inspiration from musical styles such as R&B, jazz and blues and also pays tribute to muchloved favourites such as Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa Mazwai, Caiphus Semenya and Nakhane.
Mamabolo will be backed by a band, Sweet Chilli, and two back-up singers, Sizwesandile Minisi and Nosmilo Gusha.
She says the 90 minutes of the show are intense as she moulds protest songs into original music, narrative, her projected imagery and comedy. Through all this, she says she wishes to highlight women’s pride through their strength.
Writing from her own perspective, Mamabolo deals with a range of topics from childhood experiences, loss, heartbreak, love and oppression, to hope and healing.
She says she chooses to focus on the positive:
“I want to do this in a space of healing and remembrance, and Women’s Month is the perfect time to bring attention to women’s issues while celebrating who we are.”
Mothers and daughters are encouraged to book for the performance on Women’s Day tomorrow, to experience the magic of the music and stand a chance to win some wonderful prizes.
And while the show is a celebration of women, Mamabolo says men are welcome to join in. Tankiso is on at Baxter Golden Arrow Studio until Saturday, August 17, at 8.30pm. Tickets from www.webtickets.co.za