Teach an ensemble of 15 super-talented musicians to play traditional African instruments the likes of Marimba, African Percussion / Drumming, Kudu Horns, Dinaka Pipes, Kalimba, Uhadi and Makube; add a contemporary 21st century context and you get the award-winning Sibikwa Arts Indigenous Orchestra, putting out a unique blend of sounds and rhythms reminiscent of the old and new South African music scene. Think Afro Pop, Latin American Jazz and polyrhythms combined with energetic elements of choreography and you have a truly unique music experience.
Even though the orchestra was only founded in 2008, it has garnered much success over the last four years, including winning a coveted Ovation Award at the Grahamstown Festival in 2010, for a score they composed to support a dance choreographed by the Sibikwa Arts Dance Company; a trip to Berlin to perform at the Delphic Games in 2011; stunning performances at the Jaffna
Folk Music Festival in Sri Lanka, also in 2011; and yet another Ovation Award from Grahamstown for their programme titled Re-Alignment.
During this period the orchestra also embarked on a hugely successful schools tour of lecture demonstrations, which led to the group being employed by the National Sasol Schools Festival to perform nationally. Then, more recently, the group recorded their very first CD under the musical
direction of award-winning South Africa master percussionist and singer Tlale Makhene. The album is titled Celebration and it certainly lives up to its name with its festive, upbeat tracks.
The Indigenous Orchestra Lecture Demonstration is targeted at grade 4-9 learners and engages them in an experiential music lesson which essentially provides them with a creative feast for the senses. And, even better, it is an essential part of the Creative Arts, National Curriculum, Policy and Assessment Statement, introducing learners to traditional Southern African instruments, their history and cultural context.
This year, the Indigenous Orchestra is launching an educational CD, aimed at the grade 4-9 learners and educators, and introduces listeners to the very instruments which the children will become so enthralled with in the hands-on lecture demonstrations. The CDs also come with support material for the teachers in the form of a booklet and both are aligned with the South African National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement.
For more information about Sibikwa, go to www.sibikwa.co.za.
