Mayibuye iAfrika: Celebrating SA's music heritage through song and dance

Internationally-acclaimed guitarist Billy Monama, who is also the founder and curator of the Mayibuye iAfrika, performing at the concert on Sunday. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

This past weekend, the Joburg Theatre reverberated with the richness of South African culture as the Mayibuye iAfrika music concert, themed “The Rebirth of Ubuntu”, celebrated the country's musical identity and the resilience of its artists. In an evening that showcased a rich tapestry of sound and emotion, established musicians and rising stars came together, paying tribute to the legends whose sacrifices defined a nation.

Founded and curated by internationally-acclaimed guitarist Billy Monama, this third edition of the concert became an extraordinary homage to South African composers, singers, producers, and instrumentalists whose artistry has persisted, even amidst challenging circumstances. The concert was gracefully MC'd by radio broadcast veteran, KG Moeketsi, who did not hog the stage but allowed all the creatives their space and time to shine. 

Monama, exuding energy, sprinted across the stage with his guitar in hand, reflective of the vigorous spirit that characterised the rich history of South African music — a legacy continuously shaped by those who have faced oppression. He was not mentioned as an act on the initial line-up, but his presence and performance certaintly captivated all the jazz purists. 

The Grazroots Project Orkestra performing at the concert on Sunday. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

The concert began with an inspiring performance by Monama’s Grazroots Project Orkestra, under the baton of Grammy Award-winning conductor JB Arthur. Their rendition of the Nkosi Sikelela beautifully inclusive of the once-omitted “Woza Moya”, set a poignant tone for the night ahead, followed by a stirring gospel medley featuring the defiant spirit of Hambani Madoda.

This performance was also hauntingly accompanied by images of fallen soldies beaming from the big screen, some of the artists who have since departed such as Johnny Clegg, Doc Shebeleza, AKA, to name but a few. Audience members found their emotions thoroughly engaged, with few remaining dry-eyed after the haunting melody concluded.

Music producer and Afro Jazz percussionist Tlale Makhene also delighted the crowd with his rhythmic solo performance entitled Silencing the Guns, effectively setting the mood for the evening's vibrant journey through dance and song. 

Afro Jazz percussionist Tlale Makhene performing at Mayibuye iAfrika concert on Sunday. Picture: Joburg Threatre.

Themba Mkhize also sat on the piano and did what he does best. The evening was not merely about music; it was a reminder of the cultural fabric that binds South Africans together, a vivid reminder of Ubuntu.

One of the highlights of the night was Berita’s heartfelt tribute to the legendary Mama Afrika, Miriam Makeba. Exuding elegance in a flowing blue gown, she transported the audience to the Sophiatown era with her emotive performance of Khawuleza and the powerful anthem Aluta Continua.

Berita also paid homage to the iconic jazz singer Dorothy Masuka, a luminary who shaped the musical landscape of South Africa. She mentioned that this was a special tribute for her as she was under the tutelage of Masuka when she was a budding artist. But her performance of Thandolwethu proved both stirring and captivating; the stripped-back tempo created an intimate atmosphere, drawing the crowd into the potent narrative of love and heartbreak.

The legendary Mbhaqanga dance group, The Soul Brothers, performing at the concert on Sunday. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

Then came the legendary Mbhaqanga dance group, The Soul Brothers. With 47 albums under their belt, the Soul Brothers has kept on going for 50 years despite losing its founding members along the years. Their energetic performance showcased their staying power and the enduring legacy of founding member, Moses “Black Moses” Ngwenya. As the audience was propelled back to the vibrant 70s and 80s through classic hits such as Isthothobala and Ngidlala Ukuhlupheka”, it was clear that the spirit of these artists was alive and thriving. The audience, a majority of whom were seniors, joyfully joined in when they performed Mama kaSibongile, turning the theatre into a place of shared nostalgia.

The Grazroots Project Orkestra continued the tribute to jazz legends by honouring the late Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, and Hugh Masekela, paying respect through warm memories and evocative melodies. Zoe Modiga, with her electrifying voice, mesmerised the crowd as she honoured Busi Mhlongo. With a striking resemblance in both costume and spirit, she performed Uganga Ngengane and the crowd-favourite Yehlisani Umoya Ma-Afrika before perfectly blending into her own hit, Isegazini. Modiga's performance left the audience in awe, reminiscent of the late Afro jazz queen's brilliance.

Zoe Modiga, who possesses such a powerful and electrifying voice, paid homage to the legendary Afro jazz singer, Busi Mhlongo. Picture: joburg Theatre.

In a night suffused with nostalgia and cultural pride, Afro-soul singer and songwriter Maleh took to the stage to pay a beautiful tribute to classical jazz and opera legend, Sibongile Khumalo. The atmosphere was electric, infused with the spirit of Sophiatown, a historical hub of jazz music that continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Maleh captivated the audience with renditions of Khumalo's classic hits, seamlessly weaving the past into the present as the crowd joined in with claps and cheers, celebrating a legacy that remains ever vibrant in the hearts of South Africans. As she performed, it was clear that the essence of Masuka’s artistry—not only in her powerful vocals but in her ability to tell stories through music—lives on in Maleh’s heartfelt tribute.

The night’s celebratory mood was beautifully capped off by none other than the jazz and Afro-pop veteran Judith Sephuma, who graced the stage with her own signature style. With her glowing performances of living legend Letta Mbulu's beloved songs, Sephuma transported the audience further into the realms of soulful melodies, each note echoing the memories of past and present jazz influences.

Jazz and Afro-pop veteran Judith Sephuma performing at Mayobuye iAfrika concert on Sunday. Picture: Joburg Theatre.

As the night drew to a close, attendees left with hearts full of joy and inspiration, having witnessed an electrifying celebration of jazz and Afro-soul that paid homage to a timeless legend and its contemporary bearers.

The night was ultimately a celebration of South African heritage, artists’ resilience, and the importance of cultural expression. Beyond a concert, it became a movement celebrating storytelling, cultural pride, and social unity. The evening served as a call to action, especially inspiring the youth to recognise their role in continuing this legacy of creativity and resilience, thus ensuring that the sounds of Ubuntu resonate for generations to come.

Mayibuye iAfrika was held at the Mandela Theatre over the weekend of 28 and 29 June, presented in partnership with Joburg Theatre and Radio 702, with Castle Milk Stout as the headline sponsor.