Staff Writer
Mbira music icon Hope Masike this Africa Day joins a star-studded cast of artists performing at this year’s edition of the acclaimed Mayibuye iAfrica concert in Joburg.
The concert takes place at the Jo’burg Theatre on 24 and 25 May.
Masike will share the stage with renowned South African musicians Ringo Madlingozi, Simphiwe Dana, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Mahotella Queens and Siphokazi.
Her feature at Mayibuye iAfrica will include some of Dorothy Masuka’s repertoire as a tribute to the latter’s contribution to South Africa’s historical music landscape. This will include the Chewa and Bemba medley “Chimanga”, which captured Dorothy Masuka’s exile years in Zambia after she sang a song for Patrice Lumumba in 1961.
“It is a grand privilege performing in honour of Dorothy Masuka. Her music inspired many, not just in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia but further and wider afield,” Masike said. “I am also deeply inspired by the ideology behind Mayibuye iAfrica because its message of unity must continue be shared.
“Mayibuye iAfrica is a beacon of unity through the beautiful universal language of music. As alluded to by James Ngcobo, Artistic Director of Joburg Theatre, I too am looking forward to celebrating our African heritage as passed on to us by our forefathers, embracing our diversity, and honouring the indomitable spirit of Africa.”
Hope Masike has been a professional singer, songwriter and mbira-player since 2007. Also a poet, published writer and music teacher, she has performed in numerous countries and recorded with several collaborations including Afro-Nordic outfit Monoswezi and Southern-African collaborative Mahube.
Masike has four studio albums to her name, with her latest offering “Anotida – Hymns on Mbira” having been released this past March and available on all major online stores.
As a writer, she has four published poetry books to her credit, all available on houseofbookszim.com She sits on the boards of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Music Rights Association and Alliance Francaise de Harare.
Mayibuye iAfrica is the brainchild of renowned guitarist, author, composer and arranger Billy Monama, whose passion for researching South Africa’s liberation history led to his desire to honour patriotic artists who were at the forefront of the struggle for the freedom of their motherland.
This year’s offering will feature two concert nights and supplemented with a one-day informative workshop, featuring lectures by academics, researchers, musicians and music educators.
The concerts commemorate 30 years of South African democracy and will showcase artists joining forces to engage in a reflective journey through the power of song and an exploration of South Africa’s progress over the past three decades.
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