The Artscape presents Marimba Extravaganza

Marimba Extravaganza celebrates the history of Marimbas in Cape Town and the legendary musicians who have for the past 29 years dedicated their time and passion, performing, teaching, composing and nurturing young players.

Artscape acknowledges these icons and their music through this unique production which brings together in collaboration and on stage at the same time representatives from five distinguished Marimba bands - Amampondo, Phambili, Heshoo-Beshoo, Amajingqi and Women Unite. All groups have travelled the world, won many awards and have acted as Ambassadors for South Africa wherever they have performed. Guest artists include the highly acclaimed Latosi 'Madosini' Mphahleni playing the Uhadi (mouth harp) and the Incredible Brass.

Bongani Sotshononda (Phambili) directs the production. He is an internationally acclaimed Chromatic Marimba / Marimba / Percussionist and composer and will also be seen on stage.

Marimba Extravaganza traces the history of the Marimba instrument in Cape Town during the late 70's from the time Fr. Dave Dargie (later Prof Dargie, head of Music at Fort Hare University) set about introducing the instruments and creating new liturgical music for Marimba in Catholic churches and youth clubs, at first among Xhosa speakers in the Cape Province and later countrywide.

Mzwandile Qotoyi (Amampondo) recalls when Andrew Tracey (Prof Emeritus, Rhodes University and the son of Hugh Tracey (1903-1977), a pioneer in African music research and African Musical Instruments Ltd, together with Fr Dargie, were introduced to church music at St. Anthony's in Langa and invited to assist in adapting church hymns to be accompanied by Marimbas. Mziwandile mentions: ‘After choir rehearsals we would stay behind and introduce more traditional music. Amongst those who were at the church were 15 year old Simpiwe Matole, Dizu Plaatjies, Mandla Lande, Zandisile Mbizela and Michael Ludonga. Our lives began to revolve around Marimbas and our music and that's when Amampondo was born'.

Marimba Extravaganza is also an eclectic mix of indigenous to mainstream South African contemporary music and jazz accompanied by brass instruments, keyboard, Imbira, traditional instruments and dancers. It is narrated by Zwelilungile ‘Zorro' Sidloyi who will tell the story of the Marimbas from the time they were introduced to the Catholic churches through to their contemporary commercial development of today.

Amongst the notable artists performing are; Luzuko Nqikashe (Phambili), Jongisizwe Monatsi (Phambili), Sindile Moya (Amajingqi), Mzwandile Qotoyi (Amampondo), Simphiwe Mathole (Amampondo), Mzumbanzi Charles Tema (Heshoo Beshoo), Vuyo Katsha (Ntsika ye-Afrika), Ronald Mvimbi (Phambili), Thandi Swartbooi (Women Unite) with her musicians and dancers, Nomonde Swartbooi (Women Unite), Fancy Galada (Heshoo Beshoo) and Ross Johnson from ama-Ambush will join the musicians.

Artscape continues to provide a platform for indigenous art forms previously excluded from performing on a professional stage; encourage creativity in script writing, musical composition and choreography; showcase and present diverse performing arts programmes that make all art forms accessible to the general public.

Marimba Extravaganza is a project of the Artscape Indigenous Arts Department.

Tickets cost R40. Block bookings, students and pensioners R30. Previews are R25. Book through Computicket, Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, Shoprite/Checkers outlets and online www.computicket.com.