Msaki’s no slave to

THE Constitution Hill Human

Rights Festival, which runs at the former Johannesburg jail until tomorrow, is focused on the arts and entertainment.

While it commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre, the fest also aims to use avenues like music and film to look forward to the future of South Africa.

Having started on Human

Rights Day and ending tomorrow, the fest includes poetry readings, a public lecture, a walk, interactive workshops, art exhibitions, theatre, dance, panel discussions and a concert. The concert today will feature the likes of Sjava, Sho Madjozi, Msaki, BCUC and more.

The voice of Msaki, the singersongwriter and community arts organiser, is becoming ubiquitous on radio.

That’s because she has a knack for putting the medicine in the candy over house beats by the likes of Black Coffee and Prince Kaybee.

But she’s always been a writer who draws inspiration for the people and often, how politics affect them.

It’s no surprise that she is one of the artists who perform at the fest. “Con Hill is an interesting space, particularly how it gets curated,” Msaki said.

“I’ve been there many times as a spectator and walked away discovering artists and understanding the space reveres live performance. That’s what my focus is.”

“I am a singer-songwriter, but I really enjoy performing my music live. Con Hill is so highly charged. You can’t not get affected by the space.

“You think about things and wonder about who has been there and what that meant.”

These are points to ponder, particularly now that South Africa is in an election year.

I ask Msaki for her thoughts on musicians aligning with political parties, and she says: “I make protest