November 26, 2003
By Tammy O'Reilly
FOR the past six weeks, five trucks fitted with state of the art recording equipment have been touring South Africa, capturing the essence of its people and the array of cultures and traditions found in communities across the land.
Truck no. 3 of The Nokia Great South African Journey arrived at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown yesterday in search of just that. The Drum Café with its five-women team played to the delight of the small crowd that had gathered there. Even hip-hop act, the Trespassers, rapped their way to loud applause despite the size of the audience.
"We really think Newtown has developed into an awesome community and is an ideal platform for artists. Nokia realises the importance of giving people a platform for expression so what better place than to come back to the place where this journey started," said facilitator Vanessa Pike.
All across the country crews on board the massive trucks have been treated to magical displays of music and dance. From kwaito to Pantsula, gospel to hip hop, brass bands and gum boot dancers, the Great South African Journey has found many treasures in towns they have already visited. Anyone who wanted to take part in any way, be it dancing, singing, telling an impromptu story or doing a mime, was given the opportunity to perform.
"The people of this country have an incredible spirit. I have been to places where schools had been closed down just so that the entire community could come to participate," said Pike.
The five trucks, each 22 metres long, four metres high and 2,5 metres wide, are packed with state-of-the-art equipment. "Each truck contains plasma screens capable of video and data input, PC's, a sound desk, DVD player, digital camera, video camera and wireless e-mail and internet capabilities," says Rob Terry, producer of the journey.
The epic journey of some 260-stops began in Newtown on 1 October and will end on 16 December in Cape Town, where all five trucks will converge for a closing ceremony.
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