DURBAN BLACK DRIFTERS AT TIME OF THE WRITER

(Durban Black Drifters. Leader Chris Ntuli is on the extreme right of the picture)

THE TIME OF THE WRITER FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED BECAUSE OF THE COVID19 VIRUS RESTRICTIONS. THE ORGANISERS ARE CURRENTLY WORKING HARD TO MAKE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FACILITATE A PART OF THE FESTIVAL THROUGH DIGITAL AND MEDIA CHANNELS.

Veteran & famous Isicathamiya group, Durban Black Drifters, will be performing at the 23^rd Time of the Writer at K-Cap Multi Arts Centre in KwaMashu in Durban on March 16, 2020, at 19h00.

This show will coincide with the launch of their new album entitled Ubude Abuphangwa to be released under Bhavani Entertainment, owned by music mogul in Dharam Sewraj, which will be their new home after their contract ended with Universal Music. Dharam is former Universal Music production and marketing director. Drifters will be performing for the second time and last appeared almost 12 years ago.

Time of the Writer is a prestigious event which has always brought some of the best African writers. Some of the top writers featuring in this year's line- up are Candice Mama, Fred Khumalo, Keletso Mopai, Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, Shafinaaz Hassim and Siphiwo Mahala (South Africa), Haska Shyyan (Ukraine), Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (Uganda) and Rémy Ngamije (Namibia).

Meanwhile, Black Drifters frontman Chris Ntuli is calling on all Durban Metro-based high schools to register for the 18th Isicathamiya choirs competition to be held at the Playhouse Opera on April 24, 2020, at 10h00. Huge cash prizes, trophies and more are up for grabs. SABC Ukhozi FM Thanda Ndlovu will compere this annual event for the second time. High Stars and Beautiful Stars will entertain audience while Eric Coolfire will re- kindle ancestors with the burning of impepho (traditional incense) during opening of the show.

Durban Black Drifters have been around for over three decades. They’ve toured France, Belgium, Norway, Canada, USA, China and Japan. Drifters have also appeared in a Broadway musical written by American playwright, Ermill Thrower, called Hurricane Katrina, dedicated to the flood victims of New Orleans in 2004. Ntuli, as a leader, has worked and recorded two albums with Ladysmith Black Mambazo entitled Ukuzala Ukuzelula and Thuthukani Ngoxolo. He later translated both albums for Paul Simon with a little help from a friend, Msizi Shabalala. The others he has recorded with include Aerto Moreira (Brazil), Madala Kunene, and all late musicians Sipho Gumede, Busi Mhlongo and Jabu Khanyile.

Catch Durban Black Drifters at K-Cap Multi Arts Centre in KwaMashu in Durban on March 16, 2020, at 19h00.