Press Release: Songs of Migration at the Artscape Theatre

Two South African legends bring the Artscape Opera stage alive in a musical tribute to the great songs of migrants across the African continent. Songs of Migration, fresh off the stages of Washington DC, London and Amsterdam, is a musical adventure of Southern Africa’s cries of joy, love, conflict, resistance, sorrow, exile; oppression; patriotism; victory and freedom. Compiled by internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer and lyricist Hugh Masekela, and starring alongside him Sibongile Khumalo, they take centre stage as lead storytellers and singers. This touching tribute, written and directed by award-winning director James Ngcobo, has been described as a production that takes one on a journey of every possible emotion.

In this celebration of song, the same dusty streets, settlement camps, and train cars that sometimes separated families, echo with the centuries of indigenous sounds that gave birth to a diverse cross section of rich cultural heritage.  They flowed from all parts of Africa, south, toward the promise of the golden city Johannesburg and a better life. Rich metals, hidden deep within the land, brought together a continent of even richer music, traditional costumes, instruments, songs, ceremonies, and dance.

Music in this production includes songs by Mackay Davashe, Joseph Shabalala, Victor Ndlazilwane, Gibson Kente, Hugh Masekela, Dorothy Masuka, and Miriam Makeba. Songs of Migration is currently produced by Sibojama Theatre, the original producer is the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, and is based on the original South African State Theatre production, The Rehearsal: 100 years of South African Music.

The production also features Kuki Mncube, Gugu Shezi, and Khanyo Maphumulo, Bonginkosi Zulu, Happy Motha, Linda Thobela, and Bubele Mgele. The band includes Fana Zulu (bass), Ntokozo Zungu (guitar), Tshepo Mngoma (violin and vocals), Ezbie Moilwa (keyboards), and Godfrey Mgcina (percussion).

Songs of Migration will take place at the Artscape theatre, Cape Town from the 7th – 11th November 2012 and tickets are available through Computicket or Artscape theatre dial-a-seat 021 421 7695.


For more information, please contact:
Danine Naidoo – Artscape Publicist
publicity@artscape.co.za
0833581496
Facebook: Artscape Theatre Centre
Twitter: @ArtscapeTheatre