Songs of Migration
Songs of Migration, a musical tribute to the great songs of migrants across the African continent, has been created by internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer and lyricist Hugh Masekela and written and directed by award-winning director James Ngcobo. It features the multi-talented, soulful and dynamic Sibongile Khumalo. Following the discovery of minerals in Gauteng and other parts of South Africa during the late 19th century, indigenous people started to migrate to the towns that had emerged out of the mining operations dumps. These new migrants brought with them their music, traditional costumes, musical instruments, songs, ceremonies and dance. The prospects of work in a community where citizens could afford to pay to have a good time drew musicians to the rapidly growing golden city of Johannesburg. They left their ancestral homes and gathered in this cosmopolitan town– assembling an extraordinary mass of musical talent. Songs of Migration rewinds the tape and tells stories about South African music and history, and promotes African music and dance. The production includes rich musical scenes on the train that was seen as a separator of lovers, breaking up families as it moved raw materials to and from the ports for imports and exports. This show is a musical celebration. We take off our hats to the musicians who captured this journey in song. It features songs by Mackay Davashe, Joseph Shabalala, Victor Ndlazilwane, Gibson Kente, Hugh Masekela, Dorothy Masuka and Miriam Makeba.
Magnificent
Author: gwen podbrey, 19 February 2010
Songs of Migration is, without question, one of the best shows to be staged for many and many a year. Bra Hugh is always a spectacular artist, but - combined with the incomparable Sibongile Khumalo, the six superb back-up singers and a small, but riveting group of musicians (including Sibongile K.'s son, Tshepo Mngoma) - he gives a performance that is 100% industrial-strength magic.
I've been to see it six times, and am going again on Sunday for the last performance. Each time I have been reduced to tears by the power and beauty of Sibongile Khumalo's voice, and each time, the people I have taken with me have reacted the same way - and have come out anxious to book to go and see it again.
WHY WHY WHY was this show so badly marketed and promoted? WHY WHY WHY is it not being performed in June, when the world can have a chance to see two internationally acclaimed, riveting artists sharing a stage and performing some of SA's most hauntingly beautiful music? ANd WHY WHY WHY is it not touring, so that other South AFricans in Cape Town and other cities can see it too?
Above all, WHY WHY WHY has no DVD been made of it? This is not a show that can be forgotten, or dismissed.
I asked the Market Theatre management all these questions, and was told that there was "no money". No money to send artists like Khumalo and Masekela and their supporting musos and singers (altogether 12 on stage) on an extended tour that would rivet audiences? No MONEY to make one DVD of a show that encapsulates the very finest SA has ever produced?
Shame on the MArket Theatre!!!! And take a bow, James Ngcobo, for an unforgettable production!!!!!!!
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