iSupport Creative Business is launching its first exhibition of new work that aims to commemorate, showcase and bring the story of some of the unique musical heritage of KwaZulu-Natal to life.
The exhibition will be launched at the Luthuli Museum in Groutville on March 31 at 12 noon and will be exhibited throughout April, running from Monday to Saturday from 08h30 to 15h30 (Sundays 11h30 to 14h30)
uMongo Msindo is a multi-fold undertaking that is in equal parts archival and exhibitionary. It works against a globally flattened culture where speed is currency and context amiss. Working within the boundary of KwaZulu-Natal, it considers ‘hyper locality’ as a tool to disrupt the conditions of ‘internationalism’. It invites audiences and custodians of age-old music traditions on a sojourn of music-making and consumption, with a particular focus on the relationship between player and instrument. Both entities conjoin to form a vessel that transmits sound, heritage and frequencies.
The five protagonists of this undertaking are amongst some of the oldest instrument players in the region. They liberate overlooked narratives through six instruments from the comfort of their homes through their personal histories. This installation brings musicians into conversations with their instruments through videos, textiles that function as interactive wall pieces and a QR portal that expands on their work- all presented via a mobile museum structure.
"It has been a long-time dream of our
company to bring indigenous instruments, their players and the stories to life.
This is such an important piece of archival work that we are beyond excited to
share it finally”, says Mzwandile Ntsele, who co-curated the exhibition with
his wife and business partner Marlyn Ntsele.
The duo has been involved in many successful music and arts projects in KwaZulu-Natal. Their company, iSupport Creative Business, is also a successful digital marketing company and publicist.
They have big dreams for the exhibition: “We would like this exhibition to be seen by as many people as possible. We ensured it is a mobile structure so it can easily tour and other instruments could be added to the concept. We will also make sure learners get invited to this exhibition so that we can share the importance and endless possibilities of indigenous instruments with a younger generation.” Says Marlyn Ntsele.
This exhibition is made possible with the support of the Luthuli Museum
and with financial support from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Exhibition Design is by Issa Wessels with Videography by Sthembiso Hlela and Jim Kagiso Nkoane
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