Music festival celebrates icons during Heritage Month

ON September 16 and 17, Legends Speak will bring a two-day audio-visual event to Durban audiences.

The festival is free to attend and aims to bring the public closer to artists who have made a significant mark on South African music. Taking place at The Playhouse Company, the audience will watch presentations highlighting Madala Kunene’s and Themba Mokoena’s lives. The screenings are followed by live performances by these legendary musicians.

The event is a unique experience of documentary, performance and personal interaction, with some of the masters of South African music.

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September 16:

On September 16, uMkhumbane in Me will screen. This documentary is shown through the eyes of Bafo (Madala Kunene), and gives a raw glimpse of moments which defined the musical journey of this Durban legend. His music is closely linked to South African history, and the stories of the city where he grew up and lives in, are rich. The screening will be followed by a live performance by Madala Kunene and his band. The event on Friday will see guest appearances by indigenous musician and instrumentalist Zawadi Yamungu and the famous UniZulu Choir.

September 17:

On September 17, The Talking Guitar will screen. This documentary shows guitar legend Themba Mokoena living in obscurity, and details how he inspired an entire generation of music legends at the cost of his own health. The audience follows Mokoena’s life, along with interviews from people he met along his journey, such as Simphiwe Dana, Abigail Kubeka and Selaelo Selota. The screening will be followed by a live performance by Themba Mokoena and Malcolm Nhleko.

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“I wanted to bring an uplifting, inspirational and transformative adventure into South African music history.” says Nhleko, director and producer of the documentaries.

Nhleko is a well-respected sound engineer for artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and many ground-breaking albums have been recorded at his studio. In addition to his successful music career, he decided it was essential for him to venture into film.

“I wanted to bring the unique stories of some of the masters of South African music to people. Each musician has their own amazing story, which has to be seen and heard; they give hope and motivation for future generations,” says Nhleko.

Legends Speak is brought to you by Mgiliji Arts Development Foundation, funded by National Lotteries Commission (NLC), supported by the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) and the Playhouse Company.

Date: September 16 and 17.

Venue:  The Opera at the Playhouse Company, 231 Anton Lembede Street, Durban.

Price: Free entrance, no need to book