Sounds of Southern Africa

26 July

2021 Sounds Southern Africa

IFAS – Research invites you on a musical journey through a history marked by adversity and resilience — from South African and Namibian melodies in the apartheid era to Congolese rumba in the colonial period and rap and pop music in contemporary Mozambique and Angola.

IFAS–Research is excited to introduce Sounds of Southern Africa. Music, Empowerment, Freedom, a five-episode podcast that excavates the rich history of musical genres from the region. Music from the continent has always existed with an overlay of social and political issues; in each episode, experts and researchers explore the links between music, politics, freedom of expression and censorship in several southern and central African countries from the 20th century to the present day. Sounds of Southern Africa is necessary listening for music enthusiasts who will relish in the discovery of pan-African musical gems and the stories behind them. It is also an essential platform concerning the production of memory through narratives that seldom make it into the mainstream historical imagination.

Episode Synopses

EPISODE 1: Musical “stolen moments” in Namibia under South Africa’s rule with Aino Moongo & Thorsten Schütte

In this first episode exploring Namibia’s musical past, curator Aino Moongo and film-maker Thorsten Schütte present the project they are both currently conducting, called Stolen Moments. They aim to find, catalogue and preserve Namibia’s music archives, and also to raise awareness of the country’s rich heritage, which, for the most part, was censored by the apartheid regime after the de facto annexation of ‘South West Africa’ by South Africa.

Track list

• Intro music by Adamu Da Silva
• “Ben’s Whistling Song” by Ben Molatzi
• “What Have I Done” by Ben Molatzi
• “Creatures of the Earth” by The Ugly Creatures
• An untitled song by Warmgat
• “Exit to Artist Exist” by The Ugly Creatures

EPISODE 2: Rap and political dissent in contemporary Angola with Dr Chloé  Buire

In the second episode, the potential for political protest conveyed by rap music is highlighted by Dr Chloé Buire, a researcher at the CNRS (French National Centre for Research). She explains how this musical genre carries an important dimension of social criticism in a society in search of free speech.

 Tracklist

• Intro music by Adamu Da Silva
• “A Téknika, As Kausas e As Konsekuências” by MCK
• “Azar Da Belita” by Naice Zulu e BC
• “Belina” by Artur Nunes
• “Não É Essa Angola” by Polas Mente de Aço feat. Mbonzo Lima & Killah Bone

EPISODE 3: The Hidden Years Music Archive: (Re)discovering underground South African jazz, rock, and pop music from the 1950s-1980s with Dr Lizabé Lambrechts and David Marks

Dr Lizabé Lambrechts and David Marks are the guests of the third episode, devoted to the Hidden Years Music Archive. This collection, which David Marks established and built, contains various documents dating back to the apartheid era and includes records, recordings, concert posters and private archives. Dr Lizabé Lambrechts is the current head curator of the archive at Stellenbosch University.

                   Tracklist

• Intro music by Adamu Da Silva
• “Master Jack” by Piet Botha
• Excerpt from “Music of the Spirits” (1971) by Malombo
• “Gambling Africa” by Johnny Clegg & Sipho Mchunu
• “No Easy Walk to Freedom” by Roger Lucy
• “Sibon’isoka limemeza enhlanzeni: No father no cattle” by Johnny Clegg & Sipho Mchunu

EPISODE 4: From Congo belge to République démocratique du Congo: the journey of Congolese rumba with Dr Charlotte Grabli

In this episode, historian Charlotte Grabli takes us to the Democratic Republic of Congo. She analyses the relationship between Congolese and Afro-Cuban music, from the last years of Belgian colonisation to the first decades of independence of a country, which exported “Congolese rumba” throughout the African continent and particularly in southern Africa.

Tracklist

• Intro music by Adamu Da Silva
• “Bolingo Ya La Joie” by Eyenga Lucie Moseka
• “Aya La Mode” by Franco & L’O.K. Jazz
• “Ata Ndele” by Adou Elenga
• “Yo Nací en África” by Arsenio Rodríguez

EPISODE 5: Popular music and social protest in Mozambique with Dr Euclides Gonçalves

In this episode, Dr Euclides Gonçalves — a social anthropologist and director of Kaleidoscopio (a centre for research in politics and culture) — explores how popular music, especially songs, became an important vehicle for political protest and a privileged channel for “social commentary” in Mozambique.

                 Tracklist

• Intro music by Adamu Da Silva
• “My Love” by Ta Basily
• “Male Ya Pepha” by Eugénio Mucavele
• “O Outro Lado da Lei” by Damo do Bling
• “País da Marrabenta” by Gpro Fam
• “As Mentiras da Verdade” by Azagaia
• “Regalias” by Rosalia Mboa

Supported by the French Institute (Paris) and the French Institute of South Africa, the podcast forms part of a broader project that will culminate into a symposium of music archives which will be taking place at the University of Stellenbosch in November.

Listen to the podcast here: https://www.mixcloud.com/a11radioshows/playlists/sounds-of-southern-africa-ifas-research/

For more details visit: ifas.org.za/research

Connect with us on: Facebook @IFASResearch, Twitter @IFAS_Research and Instagram @IFAS_Research

For  media queries, contact: ntombenhle.shezi@frenchinstitute.org.za 

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neuf 3

Dalila Dalléas Bouzar (algeria. France), Princesse, 2015 2016 Oil On Canvas.

The French Institute is proud to support neuf-3 a public art project in Saint-Denis (Paris) 17 July until the end of summer 2021, curated by Riason Naidoo realised in collaboration with Le 6b and with the assistance of the Chevalme sisters

neuf 3  derives its name from the colloquial term used by locals to refer to the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. Known as France’s poorest suburb, it is also synonymous with its African community and home to artists such as LAMYNE M.

With wider concerns about economic inequality and living standards in Saint-Denis that has seen tensions rise and frustrations flare up in the past—as in the riots of 2005, which broadcast worldwide images of burning cars and buildings—unemployment and crime remain higher than France’s average, which also highlights the disparity and marginalization of Paris’ African minorities.

Even during the 2020 confinement period in Paris, Saint-Denis was in the news for the disproportionate police violence against its citizens. In April 2020 France 24 reported that “a study by France’s National Centre for Scientific Research has shown that Blacks are 11,5 times more likely to be checked by police than whites, and those of Arab origin are 7 times more likely.”

A socially engaged public art project in Saint-Denis, neuf 3 involves contemporary African artists—from the suburb, France and from the African continent—who reflect on African experiences, memories, identities and concerns via expressions in photography, printmaking, painting and mixed media, expressed through street art and performance.

The artistic interventions take place on the streets, public squares, around the train and tram stations, among other, and speak directly to the African citizens living in this neighbourhood, most of whom are not regular visitors to Paris’ elite museums and galleries. The initiative is focused on African artists and communities, inspired by the specificity of Saint-Denis and its social and political concerns.

neuf 3 is inspired by a project Naidoo curated in Cape Town in 2016, entitled Any Given Sunday, which took place in the city and its townships addressing the city’s Black majorities. The proposal is in line with the artistic values of 6b: promoting art in Saint-Denis and opening up to its inhabitants.

Participating artists: LAMYNE M (Cameroon/ Saint-Denis, France), Dalila Dalléas Bouzar (Algeria / France), Jelili Atiku (Nigeria), Samuel Fosso (Central African Republic), Mary Sibande (South Africa), François-Xavier Gbré (France/ Ivory Coast), Kudzanai-Violet Hwami (Zimbabwe/ UK), William Kentridge (South Africa), Lebohang Kganye (South Africa), Cheikh Ndiaye (Senegal / USA), Senzeni Marasela (South Africa), Barthélémy Toguo (Cameroon/ France), les sœurs Chevalme (Saint-Denis, France).

Facebook: neuf 3 – a public art project in Saint-Denis, Paris

Instagram:  neuf-3_public_art

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The French Institute gears up for the Cape Town International Animation Festival

In its ninth year, the Cape Town International Animation Festival is back, and the French Institute of South Africa is excited to partner with this renowned festival again to amplify animation talent worldwide.

The French Institute is thrilled to be offering a specially curated programme for everyone to immerse themselves in. Our programme will include a panel discussion with prominent voices from the industry, namely Cécile Blondel, Head of International Relations at GOBELINS School of Visual Arts. With a rich background in the audiovisual sector, cinema and theatre, Blondel will also offer her perspective on the creative process in a workshop focusing on short film making. We are also looking forward to bringing a spectacular drive-in cinema experience for attendees to enjoy the films Le Petit Vampire and La Fameuse Invasion des ours en Sicile from the comfort of their cars. Attendees can also find us on our virtual booth, where they can network with the IFAS team, international industry players and more.

“We are excited to be part of this platform where students, professionals, filmmakers and all-round animation lovers, can come together to exchange ideas. There is no better gathering in South Africa for those who want to understand the animation industry, while connecting with both local and international players. Our support is unquestionable.” ꟷ Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Audiovisual Attaché, French Embassy in South Africa.

Meet our team and our collaborators at the festival, and enjoy our programme at the following events: 

October 1

• 7:00 pm: Join us for a screening of Le Petit Vampire at the GoDriveIn Movie & Roadhouse in Salt River. Bookings essential.

October 2

• 12 pm -1 pm: Join us for a screening of Mogau Kekana’s Red Ants.
• 12 pm-2 pm: Join us for a viewing of the best short films produced by African students from GOBELINS – School of Images.
• 1 pm-2 pm: Attend our panel discussion on training opportunities within the animation industry facilitated by the French Institute’s Mélissa Dusart with Isaac Mogajane (Executive Producer, Bridges), Lesego Vorster (Head of Animation, Tshimologong) and Cécile Blondel (Head of International Relations, GOBELIN).
• 7:00 pm: Join us for a screening of La Fameuse Invasion des ours en Sicile at the GoDriveIn Movie & Roadhouse in Salt River. Bookings essential.

October 3  

• 10 am-12:45 am: Join Cécile Blondel for a workshop on the storytelling specificities of making a short film, the economics and evolution of film production, and the role of women in the short film space.

For more information on the festival, tickets and booking details, visit www.ctiaf.com

For press queries contact Ntombenhle Shezi: Ntombenhle.Shezi@frenchinstitute.org.za

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Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival: Re-imagine. Re-invent. Re-define.

7^th September

In celebration of Heritage Month, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) in association with Sibikwa Arts Centre’s Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival, present a triple bill of cutting-edge dance pieces on 17 & 18 September 2021. Weaving diverse traditional and contemporary dance cultures, the programme features: Um Segundo ‘One Second’ by Edna Jaime (Mozambique), Iqhawe Elingaphakathi ‘Shadow Pillar’ by Mcebisi Bhayi (South Africa), and Kuzaliwa Upya ‘Reincarnation’ by Thapelo Kotlolo (South Africa).

When the drummers change their beats the dancers must also change their steps.

– African Proverb

Kabusha, a new international dance exchange launching this year, will initiate an immersive experience filled with movement, music, exploration and adventure; promoting cultural cooperation and cross-border exchange. The festival will merge traditional and contemporary dance forms that promote the preservation of our heritage, existing across generations of African dancers, while exploring possibilities to Re-imagine…Re-invent…Re-define…

Dance, as one of the oldest forms of cultural expression, translates spiritual energy to a higher consciousness transcending time, space and reality. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has seen billions of people physically, emotionally and spiritually isolated; dance is able to bring us together, shorten the distance between us…they and them, and rekindle well-being, inspiration and hope at a time of anxiety and uncertainty.

Presenting works that explore and showcase the choreographers’ perceptions of spirituality, ancestral connections and evolving identities; Kabusha promises audiences a moment to appreciate the connections between Afro cultures, interlacing traditional and contemporary dance forms in response to the new norms.

The festival will also offer local dancers a workshop by Edna Jaime, titled Bodies Against Time, which proposes a time of meeting with oneself and with the other, to reflect on the constantly adapting demands on the body and to seek new possibilities of and through movement. Following the workshop, there will be a dialogue on Tradi-Contemporary Dance Views among female choreographers from South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar.

“We are proud to be supporting the Sibikwa Arts Centre’s Kabusha Tradi-Contemporary International Dance Festival, especially during Heritage Month, and we are proud to play our part in supporting the arts which have been devastatingly impacted by the pandemic. We believe that this will be an opportunity to foster meaningful collaborations and curiosity between South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Our hope for each workshop, is for all aspiring dancers to have the chance to explore the world of possibilities available to them through this exciting medium.”

Dates & Target Audience: On 17 and 18 September, performances will target Creative Arts High School learners/Dance Studios and the general public respectively.

• Venue: Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni
• Show Times: 17 September, 14h00 and 18 September, 15h00
• Ticket Price: Students R30; Adults R50
• Food and drinks will be sold on 18 September.
• Workshop: 19 September, 09h00 – 12h00, Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni.
• Dialogue: 19 September, 13h00 – 14h30, Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni.

Entrance to the workshop and dialogue is free, however, space is limited, and interested participants are required to RSVP to secure their space. Workshop participants are also strongly encouraged to watch the performances. Food and drinks will be sold on 19 September.

For Media Enquiries

Lungile Majola: info@sibikwa.co.za | +27 11 422 4359

Sibikwa Arts Centre, Corner Bolton & Liverpool Rd, Benoni.

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She Bad Bad Exhibition

17 June 2021

She Bad Bad Exhibition

Photo: Zoё Masters

The French institute of South Africa is proud to support She Bad Bad, an exhibition curated by Fulufhelo Mobadi that spotlights the work of emerging black female photographers in South Africa, taking place at the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg from 19 July to 12 August 2021. IFAS is excited to be supporting this critical contribution to the canon of South African visual culture through the lens of eleven of the country’s most luminous young talent.

As part of the Africa 2020 season, Les Rencontres d’Arles and the French Institute (Paris) awarded Mobadi with the first curatorial research grant – Africa Projects in 2019 for her She Bad Bad project. Currently both Fulufhelo and Lebogang Thlako, one of the featured photographers, are currently in France, preparing to present their work at the critically acclaimed Rencontres d’Arles, annual photography festival.

For this exhibition, Mobadi selected women working with the medium in different ways to tell stories inspired by themes of history, kinship, migration, memory, and loss, while challenging conventional understandings of African female photographic representation and the female gaze. All the works selected for this show give us insight into each photographer’s identity and lived experience portrayed through their unique visual stories. This exhibition is part of a larger research project by Mobadi that highlights the work of African female photographers. 

“Every voice deserves to be heard. We are thrilled to support the incredible depth of talent that will be showcased throughout this exhibition, which does the important work of privileging the female gaze in photography”- Selen Daver, Cultural Attaché at the French Institute of South Africa.

She Bad Bad describes women whose photography re-imagines conceptual works of art through lived experiences. These are the “Bad bitches” of the industry”- Fulufhelo Mobadi, Curator.

Contributing Photographers: 

Puleng Mongale

Bongiwe Phakathi

Brittany Zoe Masters

Nonzuzo Gxekwa (as Carbon Copy)

See the exhibition at the Market Photo Workshop, 19 June – 27 August 2021. The exhibition is free of charge, and strict Covid-19 regulations apply. 

Address:

The Market Photo Workshop: 

c/o Market Square

138 Lilian Ngoyi St

Entrance: Margaret Mcingana Street 

Newtown

Johannesburg

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