Scenes from Ghoema at the University of Johannesburg (Photo: Courtesy of David Kramer www.davidkramer.co.za)

RELATED LINKS: A week in Joburg LUCILLE DAVIE's weekly selection of the most interesting city activities. Read more Jozi Theatres JOHANNESBURG'S theatres are buzzing with innovative, indigenous theatre telling the story of post-apartheid South Africa with passion and energy, accompanied by vibrant dancing and singing. Read more Plenty to keep theatre crowd happy JOBURG'S theatres have a packed calendar this winter, featuring footstomping musicals, taut drama and laugh-out-loud comedy. Read more

Ghoema a unique celebration of Cape slave culture Expand your knowledge of South African history and get to the University of Arts Centre to see the award-winning Ghoema, a musical that gives new meaning to centuries-old Afrikaans songs created by Cape slaves as a means of bridging their different origins. July 4, 2006 By Ndaba Dlamini CULTURAL music lovers are in for a treat when Ghoema, a musical revue that explores the roots of Afrikaans music at the Cape, runs for a season at the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre in July. Created by David Kramer and Taliep Petersen, the show delves deep into early South African history and examines the musical contributions made by slaves brought to the southern tip of Africa from countries as far afield as Indonesia, India, Madagascar, East Africa, Guinea, Sri Lanka and Java. Sold to Company officials and private individuals by passing ships or Dutch East India Company missions, these foreigners were the backbone of the labour force and brought with them their languages, traditions, melodies and instruments. With the convergence of such diverse cultures, a cross-pollination of local and international music genres and styles developed. The fusion of all these influences into something that is uniquely South African is the inspiration behind the musical, Ghoema, which is coined from the Malay term for a drum created from a small wine barrel. The rhythms created on this drum, a musical instrument unique to the Cape, were a fusion of the East and the West in Africa. The show transforms both old and recent Cape musical history into a highly entertaining theatrical experience and songs like Daar kom die Alabama, Oom Jakkals and Januarie, Februarie, Maart, which evolved over 100 years ago have been given new stature. The cast includes Loukmaan Adams, Zenobia Kloppers, Munthir Dullisear, Carmen Maarman and Gary Naidoo. Gammie Lakay, Howard Links, Charlie Rhode, Solly Martin and Danny Butler provide the musical backing, and costumes are designed by Illke Louw. Ghoema recently scooped three awards for Best Costume and Prop Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Set Design in the Fleur du Cap awards. Ghoema is on at the University of Johannesburg's Art Centre on 12 July and runs until 23 July. Booking is through Computicket or 083 915 8000. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za