21 Songs for 21 Years of Democracy
The show will feature 21 songs that have made their mark in the history of South African music over the last 21 years.
History via harmony
Democracy comes of age in a star-laden series of musical celebrations on - fittingly - The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from 26 March to 12 April 2015.
In 2014, to mark two decades since South Africa's first democratic elections, the theatre hosted a successful run of Anthems of Democracy, featuring the talents of Joan Armatrading, Bright Blue, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and the Soweto Gospel Choir among others.
That concept has been updated and expanded, with 21 Songs for 21 Years of Democracy comprising 21 landmark musical moments - songs that have made their mark on the South African landscape in the last 21 years.
Over the course of a dozen performances, home-grown icons will line up alongside artists currently causing a buzz, all backed by a fantastic house band. All sets will feature tributes to legends Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba and Lucky Dube, as well as gospel and Afrikaans music medleys - a representation of the rich palette of local artistry.
The list of performers, which is subject to change, is as follows:
Thursday 26 March - Johnny Clegg, Steve Kekane, Kurt Darren
Friday 27 March - Jesse Clegg, Zwai Bala
Saturday 28 March - Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, Ziyon
Sunday 29 March - Jesse Clegg, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse
Thursday 2 April - Ray Phiri, Lemmy Special
Saturday 4 April - Abigail Kubheka, Dorothy Masuku
Sunday 5 April - Steve Kekane, PJ Powers
Monday 6 April - Sipho Mabuse, Mohotella Queens
Thursday 9 April - Jesse Clegg, Mi Casa, Ziyon
Friday 10 April - Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Soul Brothers
Saturday 11 April - Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Vusi Mahlasela
Sunday 12 April - Johnny Clegg, Vusi Mahlasela, PJ Powers
Lemmy Special Mabaso (on the pennywhistle), Mbali Ngidi (performing a Brenda Fassie tribute) and Buhle Mhanie (performing a Miriam Makeba tribute) will be some of the exciting talents joining this illustrious list.
Behind the scenes, both performers and audiences are in good hands, with the concerts being produced for Joburg Theatre by Roddy Quin, in collaboration with Victor Masondo. Quin has a long history with politically aware ensemble events. In 1989, he staged the Human Rainbow Concert, which joined black and white South African artists on the same stage. The concert was banned by the South African government, resulting in a year-long court battle that finally saw the ruling overturned. That landmark decision meant mixed concerts were allowed in South Africa, without having to apply for government approval.
Quin went on to start Real Concerts in 1994 and has gained a reputation as South Africa's most adventurous promoter, with concert credits including Skunk Anansie, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode, Sting and Simple Minds.
He also produced the internationally acclaimed Nelson Mandela's 46664 music events and has been the manager of South African superstar Johnny Clegg for 24 years.
Tickets for 21 Songs for 21 Years of Democracy, accessibly priced from R100 to R250, are now on sale at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670. Shows are at 7:30pm from Thursdays to Saturdays, 3pm on Sundays, and 3pm on the public holiday on Monday 6 April.
Twitter handle:
@joburgtheatre
@RealConcerts
Hashtag:
#21Songs
Time: 19:00 - 22:00
Venue: Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg
Cost: R100 - R250
More info:
158 Civic Boulevard Street, Braamfontein