Ubuntu in Sound Baxter Concert Hall 2026

UBUNTU IN SOUND UCT PAN AFRICAN ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR - Dr Rick Deja UCT IBUYAMBO ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER - Thabisa Dinga MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Keketso Bolofo MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Nomapostile Nyiki LIGHTING DESIGN - Julian Baatjies SOUND DESIGN - Izan Greyling PRODUCTION MANAGER - Dr Bronwen Clacherty UCT IBUYAMBO ORCHESTRA Sinovuyo Balintulo, Zinhle Kubheka, Nkolo Mabhani, Ketty Jackline Maina, Lehlohonolo Matsoso, Vuyisani Mkwambi, Laphakade Myataza, Lutho Mzongwana, Iviwe Nkopo, Inga Nkumanda, Lakheni Ntsodo, Natasha Ramncwana, Ayakha Soga, Masakhe Tupana, Olona-Thando Tyatyeka, Likho Yonto UCT PAN-AFRICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE VOCALISTS - Sinovuyo Balintulo, Cassiopeia Dukes, Zinhle Kubheka, Iviwe Nkopo, Inga Nkumanda, Natasha Ramncwana, Olona Thando Tyatyeka, Likho Yonto UHADI - Iviwe Nkopo, Inga Nkumanda VOCALS AND PERCUSSION - Nkolo Mabhani, Lehlohonolo Matsoso, Laphakade Myataza, Lakheni Ntsodo GUITAR - Daniel Cockram, Kyla Yapp ACOUSTIC GUITAR AND VOCALS - Iviwe Nkopo ELECTRIC BASS - Diego Lezar VIOLA - Tamaron Cannon, Stacey Janse, Elijah Bouwers CELLO - Nahum Fischer PIANO - Madison le Roux PROGRAMME Modokali - Latozi Madosini Mphahleni The title Modokali originates from the way Xhosa-speaking communities adapted the English word “motor car” into local pronunciation. In rural villages where many people had never seen a car, the arrival of the first motor vehicle became a remarkable event that inspired storytelling through music. I Am Because We Are - 29:11 International Exchange and Nur-D This song, created by South African collaborative ensemble “29:11 International Exchange” with contributions from Minnesota-based hip-hop artist Nur-D, pays tribute to the universal spirit of Ubuntu. Mmatla Kgomo - Mma Laloo The song celebrates the unity of music, movement, and community through vibrant Tswana traditional song and dance. Rooted in oral tradition and communal performance, the piece reflects the cultural values of togetherness, storytelling and collective celebration central to Tswana musical practices. Abantu - Zoë Modiga This song laments the ideas of division and self-denigration in our society especially within African and diasporic communities. Omusango gw’ennyama (The case of the meat) The cultural expressions of East African Kiganda xylophone, played in the Amadinda style, and South African gumboot dance, in a unique intercultural performance. This innovative collaboration unites traditions that have rarely shared the same stage, creating a dialogue between rhythm, movement and African heritage across regions. Reimagining the historical context of gumboot dance, traditionally performed by male mine workers, the piece powerfully presents women as carriers and interpreters of this tradition, highlighting transformation, inclusivity and the evolving nature of cultural performance. Chik Chikka Mulatu - Astatke & The Heliocentrics Based on the popular Ethiopian rhythm of the same name, Chik Chikka appears on the 2009 release Inspiration Information 3, a collaborative effort by Mulatu Astatke and the London-based collective The Heliocentrics. Widely hailed as the godfather of Ethiopian jazz, Astatke and his compositions highlight indigenous Ethiopian instrumental traditions fused with a wide array of diasporic and international musical genres and styles. His overall musical body of work can be seen as emblematic of the richness of Pan-African and intercultural exchanges. Kumatendera by the Mbira Dze Nharira group The musical connection between Zimbabwean marimba and mbira lies in their rich aesthetic of interlocking music. Centred around a popular Zimbabwean mbira song, the piece brings together the resonant melodies of the mbira dza vadzimu and the diatonic marimba. This collaboration highlights the deep relationship between Zimbabwean traditions and their contemporary marimba, inspired by the mbira, revealing innovative African musical aesthetics rooted in rhythm, repetition, community and spiritual expression. Embo - Nomapostile Nyiki The composition calls listeners back to the heart of African cultural traditions, a time when people cared for one another, lived with Ubuntu, and embraced their shared humanity. Through its melody, multi-part singing, and rhythm, the song serves as a reminder and an invitation to honour where we come from and to restore the spirit of unity, sharing and peaceful living in our daily lives. Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu - Brenda Fassie This song highlights the underlying proverb informing the philosophy of Ubuntu. Released in 1988, the lyrics express gratitude towards “my Africa” and all the people who provided her with hope and strength. The well-known proverb, often translated as “a person is a person through other people” remains an enduring reminder of our interconnectedness, social responsibility and collective strength.