A key figure in the development of African music studies and ethnomusicology, Hugh Tracey (1903-1977) holds an ambiguous position in South African culture.
His passion for African music and his importance in preserving its sounds are widely celebrated. But his problematic alignment with colonial and apartheid power structures is increasingly receiving critical attention. Musicologist Lizabé Lambrechts notes: “Tracey left us with a collection of constructed Western recordings of traditional African music organised into Western systems of categories, theory and analysis outside of time, context and social system.”
Such critiques are sadly sidestepped in the publicity for For Future Generations — Hugh Tracey and the International Library of African Music; instead, the press release frames the exhibition as an unabashed celebration of Tracey’s legacy. This lack of context diminishes what could have been a truly remarkable showcase. Instead of activating new insights, Tracey’s fabulous collection of African musical instruments and his exhaustive field research, publications and film and audio recordings remain trapped within the Western gaze.
Iziko Good Hope Gallery, Castle of Good Hope, Buitenkant Street. Opens on November 19 and runs until March 31. Entrance is R28. Tel: 021 481 7223. Website: www.iziko.org.za.
? The Freedom to Create prize event and concert could not come at a more relevant time. With the news that the Protection of State Information Bill is back on the parliamentary schedule, freedom of expression is once again on everyone’s lips.
Finalists for this year’s edition of the annual international prize include newsmakers who led the pro-democracy uprisings in the Middle East, outspoken female artists from Africa, press photographers working in various war zones, musicians who promote peace and bold theatre practitioners and filmmakers. They will be lauded in a swanky prize-giving ceremony featuring performances by the Gugulethu Tenors, renowned Namibian kwaito artist EeS and Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal. In the days preceding the big night, the organisation is also presenting workshops by local artists and a film festival of the international documentary films entered for the awards.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, November 19 at 7pm. Gates will open at 5pm. Entrance is R100 and booking is essential. Website: www.freedomtocreate.com.