A new collaboration by Concord Nkabinde and David Klassen sees the two South African creative artists dig deep into their collective years of musical performance and production to deliver a performance that re-visits the essence and depth found in the words of Tata Nelson Mandela.
This production seeks to ensure that the impact created by the words of power, love, courage and healing that Madiba left us with, last for generations to come.
NELSON MANDELA – The Song Lives On is a public concert that marries the well-known sound of Madiba’s voice with live music and spoken word.
In the words of South Africa’s former president himself; “Music is a great blessing. It has the power to elevate and liberate us. It sets people free to dream. It can unite us to sing with one voice. Such is the value of music.”
On 22 January 2017, forming part of the Oude Libertas Summer Season, Nkabinde and Klassen will present this work that carefully and respectively interweaves new compositions as well as existing songs with an audio-visual presentation.
Suitable for all ages, this concert promises to be a special experience, one that carries history lessons from South Africa’s past whilst inspiring us to work together to create a future of bright possibilities.
“This will be just as exciting for the audience as it will be for us, as together we re-examine the words and ideals of an Icon,” says Nkabinde.
Along with Klassen, Nkabinde has invited three well-established and respected Cape Town-based artists to collaborate on this concert; Mark Fransman, a highly accomplished saxophonist, pianist, flautist, vocalist, composer and music educator; Nomfundo Xaluva, a dynamic new voice in the music scene, who is also a pianist, composer and music educator; and Bulelwa Basse, a prolific performance poet, language facilitator, speaker and community builder.
The result of this collaboration is a concoction of different musical styles, well-thought out musical compositions and arrangements, expertly glued together by moments of improvisation. This five-piece outfit will deliver an experience that will remain in the hearts and minds of many, for years to come.
Klassen shares his sentiments on the project; “I am excited about it. It’s got meaning and purpose. We are honoring the values and humanitarian ideals of a man who deserves to be honored in this manner.”
In the development of the content of this project, interaction and counsel from the Nelson Mandela Foundation as well as the UWC Robben Island Mayibuye Archives has ensured a holistic way forward. While renowned photographers, Siphiwe Mhlambi and Mark Wessels provided amazing images that have added depth to this production.
Support in kind has been provided by Sennheiser SA and The Famous Idea Trading Co.
Event details:
Nelson Mandela – The Song Lives On
Sunday, 22 January 2017
18h30
Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch
R180
Book at Computicket:
online.computicket.com/web/event/nelson_mandela_the_song_lives_on/1080809535/0/75652706
Address: Corner Adam Tas and Oude Libertas Roads
oudelibertas.co.za/directions-to-oude-libertas/#click-here-for-detailed-directions
Follow the event online with the hashtag #mandelasongliveson.
