ZOLISWA MCHUNU & SLI DLAMINI LUNCH HOUR CONCERTS

Free lunch hour concerts by Zoliswa Mchunu and Sli Dlamini will be presented at Howard College Theatre on the UKZN Howard College campus.

(Zoliswa Michelle Mchunu)

The School of Arts (Music) presents Zoliswa Michelle Mchunu who is currently doing her BA honours degree in Applied Ethnomusicology and Performance. She will be starring in her own lunch hour Concert under the supervision of Dr Opondo on May 6, 2019.

Mchunu says "The theme Yimi lo (This is me) is all about me unpacking myself using this concert and performing arts as a tool to communicate who I am”.

A versatile musician who plays several indigenous instruments, sings and dances, she also wishes to show the side of her life that not many people know of, that she is a maiden, this will be shown throughout the concert as she demonstrates "Yimi Lo".

The concert will feature various artists namely Jose Chemane an amazing percussionist from Mozambique who is one of the programme’ss alumni; and Izintombi Zasekuthuleni who are talented maidens from Hammarsdale.

The concert will take place at Howard College Theatre on May 6, 2019, at 12 noon. Please take note that the concert will kickstart from Gate 1 at Howard College Campus with parade that Mchunu will participate in as part of the programme.

The concert will be free. For more information contact Mchunu at 084 964 5317 or 065 887 3011 or email Dr Opondo at opondop@ukzn.ac.za

(Silindile Dlamini)

Sli Dlamini’s concert will follow on May 6 at the Howard College Theatre at 13h15. Silindile has honed her performing talent and this concert will be a full portrayal.

Anticipate a new angle of modern performing art, uniquely showcased through music and dance. With the theme, Sanna ya Kisasa- Modern Art, Dlamini aims to take audiences through a migration journey with uMakhweyane music string bow of merging ancient and modern-day songs. Accompanied by a range of vocal and dance styles, the focus of this performance is to interpret African modern performing art.

To open the show, Silindile’s own Makhweyana compositions titled Ngiyekeleni ngiye khona, Kaz’ iyozala nkomoni and Nyon’emhlophe (White Dove) which sums up an emancipation to pursue her music journey, followed by vocal pieces that express grievances, love and affection for her people and lastly, to cheer the audience will be a range dance styles, choreographed by herself, consisting of uMzansi, African Contemporary and township street dance.

The concert will take place on May 6, 2019, at the Howard College Theatre at 1315. Admission is free and all are welcome!!

IKHONO LASENATALI

(Zanele Muholi)

Inkanyiso Media and Muholi Productions, in collaboration with 25 young visual artists of KwaZulu-Natal, present Ikhono Lasenatali in The KZNSA Gallery’s Main, Mezzanine, Park and Media Galleries in Durban. The exhibition opens on May 8, 2019.

Ikhono Lasenatali is a collection of commissions by the acclaimed South African visual activist, Prof Sir Zanele Muholi, to 25 young KwaZulu-Natal visual artists to re-interpret Muholi’s self-portraits from the Somnyama Ngonyama project in each young artist’s medium and technique.

The exhibition at KZNSA, curated by Dr Bajabulile Dhlamini and Thobeka Bhengu, celebrates KwaZulu-Natal's talent and provides an exciting platform for the young artists to showcase their skills and craft.

Ikhono Lasenatali also forms part of a 25 Years of Democracy commemoration, with the interpretations of Somnyama Ngonyama by mostly ‘born free’ artists speaking to social ills and touching on Muholi’s themes of gender, race, politics, sexuality, collaboration, and collectivism.

Participating artists include Mpilo Makhanya , Bongani Luthuli , Lindokuhle Khumalo , Mlamuli Mkhwanazi , Mthobisi Maphumulo, Mduduzi Dzanibe , Londiwe Mtshali , Andile Maphumulo, Sthenjwa Luthuli, Lungisani Ndlovu, Nomusa Mtshali , Morgan Mohape , Sphephelo Mnguni, Ncumisa Mcitwa , Major Ndlovu, Mondli Mbhele, Zwelinjani Radebe, Shabo Bhengu, Mhlonishwa Chiliza, Khulekani Mkhize, Lindani Nyandeni, Nhlakanipho Gcwabe, Thembi Mtshali, Thalente Khomo, Wonder Mbambo and Nkosikhona Majola.

There are numerous educational activities planned throughout the exhibition including public and schools walkabouts. These will facilitate in-depth discussions on national, continental and international issues relevant to the artworks selected. Discussions will also provide a vibrant overview of South African contemporary art and art history, encouraging participants to engage in critical thinking and analysis through visual interactions and experience.

The exhibition runs from May 8 to June 2, 2019. The official opening, with Muholi and participating artists in attendance, is on May 17, 2019, at 17h30 for 18h00. All are welcome. Free entry, Arts Cafe and bar will be open.

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsa.co.za

SUITE 415 BAROQUE CONCERT

(Evelien Ballantine; David Smith; Aristide du Plessis, &, seated, Margrit Deppe. Pic by Val Adamson)

A glorious late-autumn afternoon concert of wonderful Baroque music performed by Suite 415 will be held in Christ the Redeemer Church in Hillcrest on Sunday May 5, 2019, from 15h00.

Suite 415 comprises an affiliation of some of the province’s most accomplished and respected classical and Baroque musicians: Margrit Deppe (Baroque Oboe); Aristide du Plessis (Baroque Cello / Basso Continuo), David Smith (Harpsichord / Cembalo) and Evelien Ballantine (Baroque Flute / Traverso).

The programme features a carefully-chosen programme of beautiful works by leading Baroque composers GP Telemann; Pietro Locatelli, JS Bach and GB Sammartini.

This will be the first public performance by David Smith on a lovingly-restored, beautifully- decorated harpsichord in the Flemish style, recently acquired by Deppe. The completion of the restoration process was the inspiration behind this concert.

The distinctive sound of the harpsichord creates an almost-immediate association with music from the Baroque era. Harpsichords were used extensively from the 15th until the 18th centuries and have found favour again in recent decades. Harpsichords are typically also ornately decorated and painted – often with historically-inspired flora and fauna; pastoral scenes; ornamental motifs and inspirational verse. Such decoration is very specific to this instrument and has become a respected and recognised art form with variants which differ over time and place.

Deppe’s beautiful new harpsichord will be the centrepiece of this sublime programme of memorable music.

The Suite 415 Baroque Concert will take place in Church of the Redeemer at 15h00 on May 5, 2019. Tickets R80 through www.quicket.co.za or at the door. Church of the Redeemer is at 1 Church Road, Assegay, Hillcrest.

GARY THOMAS EP LAUNCH

(Gary Thomas. Pic by Gabriella Achadinha)

After a year and a half of writing and recording in Durban and Cape Town, critically acclaimed South African musician Gary Thomas is ready to launch a series of EP’s into the world under his new collaborative artist name, Moodship.

Since his last South Africa tour, Thomas lived in Spain and performed 30 concerts across Europe, began the ongoing process of recording his new music, wrote the score for multiple documentaries and films and most recently won an Ovation Award for his performance at the 2018 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

Disembark is the first in a series of EP releases signifying the beginnings of a broader and more collaborative sound for Thomas. Written and recorded and mastered by Mark Hako in Durban at 286 Studios and in Cape Town at Netherchord Studios, the first 4 track EP features special guests Gene Kierman (french horn) and Daniel Zachariah Franks (violin) on Far Fetched and Steve Jones (drums) on Problem Solve.

Stream the EP everywhere or Download for free (Bandcamp): https://ampl.ink/dp234

Gary Thomas’s MOODSHIP - Disembark EP Launch takes place at The KZNSA Gallery in Durban on May 3, 2019. Supper and drinks from 18h00, concert starts at 19h00. Cost: R100. Tickets booked through 031 277 1705, email gallery@kznsagallery.co.za or visit https://qkt.io/tTZWft

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Bulwer, Durban.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1364903403665525/

AN IRISH PARTY

(Dave Monks)

Irish vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dave Monks presents An Irish Party at Rhumbelow Tina’s Hotel in Kloof this coming weekend, offering an evening which is jam-packed with nostalgia and features the most popular sing-a-long and clap-along Irish songs of all time.

Monks’ proven repertoire of esteemed Irish classics mixed with a touch of the Blarney in his treasury of tales and humour, are always sure to get audiences’ hands clapping. The folky feel of the music is accentuated by his mastery of the fiddle, banjo, guitar, harmonica, tin whistle and vocals.

Of course, no Irish show would be complete without the good old faithfuls like Danny Boy, Galway Bay, Whiskey in the Jar, Paddy McGinty’s Goat, Delaney’s Donkey to name a few but “Ireland’s Call” introduces you to a whole new generation of Irish favourites plus a couple of brand new Irish songs composed by Monks.

Monks is a well-known and respected entertainer on the South African music scene. An established gig artist having “paid his dues” over the last many years, he has been extremely fortunate to have performed in almost every corner of South Africa as well as Ireland, England, South Korea, USA, Portugal, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, and Abu Dhabi.

An Irish Party runs from May 3 to 5, 2019, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 20h00 and on Sunday at 14h00. (The theatre venue opens 60 minutes before show for drinks). This family show is suitable for all ages. Remember to wear something green!

Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners) and tables seat 8. (No alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises). Tickets are cash or EFT only. Secure parking is available. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland (also for large group booking discounts of 20 or more) on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

(For Restaurant reservations contact 031 764 7843)

Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road in Kloof.