|
|
|
|
|
Easing the pain of xenophobia through song
|
February 11, 2010
By Dianne Regisford-Gučye
"From the beginning of time, man has always moved from one place to another, for whatever reason. In Zulu we say Unyawo aluphumuli - 'we are all sons and daughters of nomads'," says James Ngcobo, director of the musical production Songs of Migration.
South Africa's history of migration dates back as long as most living South Africans can remember. The country's most recent history of migration, where African brothers and sisters were brutally attacked for being "the other", is something the whole world still remembers as if it were yesterday.
Against a backdrop of what is arguably one of South Africa's grandest public relations opportunities, the World Cup, the world may be considering where South Africa sits on the anti-xenophobia tangent.
The xenophobia attacks may well be muted from a media perspective, but on the ground, albeit in on a smaller scale, the numbers of African foreigners being attacked in South Africa are consistently rising.
It is poignant then that the Bra Hugh Masekela-led Songs of Migration, currently on show at the Market Theatre, presents a walk down a 100-year-old memory lane telling stories of South African migration through song.
It is ironic, however, that Bra Hugh and his team have failed to convince corporate South Africa that this show is of timely value.
After 18 months seeking sponsorship to stage what is potentially an epic production, it was clear that the private sector and some government departments were not ready to invest in what could be a salve to the seeping wounds of South Africa's reputation as a country of tolerance.
Consider the elements in hand: an artist of global iconic stature, a rich collection of songs revived and unearthed from the annals of South Africa's history and the calibre of accomplished talent such as female lead Sibongile Khumalo, choreographer Greg Maqoma and director James Ngcobo. Surely commercial viability would not be too difficult to project?
Perhaps the subject matter was too close to home or too hot to handle? The word migration evokes a variety of strong emotions. The songs, a veritable mix of musical styles, tell us of the broken-hearted wife pining for her migrant miner husband and the absent father, seen only once a year. A mirror reflecting the heart of the people, it is gripping.
Having lived with South African songs of migration, and then hearing the migration songs of other people throughout his time of exile, Bra Hugh has always dreamt of creating a reservoir of songs that can teach, not preach, and poignantly illustrate the excellence and diversity of South Africa's musical heritage through an entertainment package.
It is proving to be an effective approach. Undoubtedly, the mélange of song and dance makes the bitter pill easier to swallow.
Asked why the most recent chapter of South Africa's migration was glaringly conspicuous in its absence, Bra Hugh answered: "It was important that first we show South Africans who we are and where we've come from.
"The songs have lived with us for generations. Xenophobia was always there. My people from the north, Limpopo, were the original makwerekwere."
Songs of Migration, currently on at the Market Theatre, runs until February 21.
[Email this story...]
[Easy Print...]
|
|
