Peter Makurube
It has taken a long time but at last the real heroes of South African jazz are being honoured. The Untold Story, a show held in memory of jazz greats of an era gone by, is part of the ongoing African Renaissance series.
Soloists will interpret the works of icons like Dudu Pukwana, Kippie Moeketsi, Victor Ndlazilwana, Gideon Nxumalo and Zakes Nkosi. Arrangement and direction is in the good hands of bassist Victor Ntoni and saxophonist Khaya Mahlangu (left).
There are six gigs but only two for “the people” (Saturday, November 7 at the Agfa Theatre on the Square, Sandton) – the rest were allocated to business. Baie snaaks, seeing as all the jazz greats lived and worked among the people. Business couldn’t care one bit. Anyway the aim is to raise funds for music development.
The lack of women honoured is disappointing, given their massive influence on our music since the early days of traditional and commercial music.
The show will be televised later in the year on SABC2, a channel that has been a revelation in supporting African music.
The upside is that corporate South Africa will be introduced to the beauty, power, and value of this unique product, our music. It will hopefully open their eyes to the potential for, among other things, tourism.
Each tune will be accompanied by a dance style popular at the time. The choreographer is ex-Amampondo dancer, Thembi Nyandeni. The “story” will be told by way of visuals and a narrator.
This is Eskom’s 75th birthday, celebrated in real fine style.