July 3, 2003
By Bongani Majola
JOHANNESBURGERS can participate in a musical revolution this Friday and attend the Rebellion Concert in Newtown, held in memory of Chief Bhambatha, who died taking on the might of the British Empire.
The Rebellion Concert will celebrate Afro-centric and traditional music, performed by a host of South Africa's top musicians.
Chief Bhambatha ka Mancinza of the Zondi chiefdom in Mdlovana, KwaZulu Natal, led one of the pioneering wars of resistance against the Union of South Africa, apartheid's predecessor. He was captured and beheaded by the British imperial powers in the early 1920s.
Now the memory of the Zulu chief will be remembered at the Newtown Music Centre, in a blend of Mbhaqanga music, Maskandi, Afro pop and Afro Fusion of the best kind.
The Rebellion Concert will feature the widely recognised Maskandi musician and South African Music Awards (Sama) winner Phuz'ekhemisi, former Bayete lead singer Jabu Khanyile, Thandiswa Mazwai from the inspirational trio Bongo Maffin, and musicians Shaluza Max, Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Tiny and Khululiwe Sithole.
Hosted by Gallo Music and the Bambata movement of artists, the concert will also feature Yfm DJ Rude Boy on turntables and on vocals, from his recently released album.
The concert, to be recorded live for DVD/VHS and CD formats, also draws on a wide range of praise poets, whose words will be infused with "carefully chosen rhythms".
"We have packaged the concert by fusing song, dance, drumming and poetry," says Gallo spokesperson Jane Msika. She continues: "Drumming and percussion, fused with a heavy Zulu traditional music and Afro-Jazz as well as traditional African rhythms, will accompany the featured artists."
For a taste of this "Afro-centric journey and experience", as Msiska characterises the concert, book at Computicket or buy tickets at the door. Tickets cost R60. Join the Rebellion Concert on Friday 4 July from 19h00.
