BREATHE CONCERT is a collaborative musical performance featuring a number of solo performers and acts from Johannesburg, South Africa. The performance took place at The Centre for the Less Good Idea in January 2022 as part of The Centre’s For Once programme.
The performers are backed by William Kentridge’s “Blue Rubric” artwork for The Centre’s Highway Notice Project (2020/21). “BREATHE,” reads the billboard-sized text. It is both an instruction and a reminder - inhale, pause, exhale. In the same vein, BREATHE CONCERT is something of a brief pause, and a moment to reflect on an acutely difficult period. It is also an opportunity to celebrate human resilience and strength despite the challenges.
Opening the programme is the Jeppestown-based Inselelo YeMbube Isicathamiya Choir who activate the stage with compelling choral work and shimmering, synchronised choreography, delivering a performance that’s rooted in voice and body alike. Micca Manganye and Volley Nchabeleng then bring their dynamic percussion and multi-instrumentalism to the stage, looping and building upon single notes to develop a metered and mesmeric soundscape.
Following a spirited reprise from Inselelo YeMbube, the Jazzmeloz Band take to the stage one by one, fronted by Siphiwe Sip Nkabinde. All through his set, Nkabinde maintains a compelling synergy with the band, his movements on the stage corresponding with the crashing cymbals and high, heady notes of the guitar behind him.
Anathi “Ithana” Conjwa’s set begins with a moment of silence - another opportunity to pause and reflect - and sees the artist kneeling as she performs her first song “River Run”. By the end of her set, she delivers a rallying, emphatic performance that sees her making full use of the stage and the band. Xolisile Bongwana maintains this energy through his compelling showmanship as well as a few compositions that allow for a good number of solos from the Jazzmeloz band members. Closing the concert is Zandile Hlatshwayo whose arresting and narrative-driven songs traverse the themes of loss, love and determination.
Initially intended as the closing performance of 2021, but ultimately waylaid as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, BREATHE CONCERT serves as a poignant and profound debut event for The Centre’s 2022 programme. It is both a tribute to breath and body, and a celebration of live performance.
CREDITS:
Inselelo YeMbube Isicathamiya Group: Lungelo Masango, Thobekani Masango, Skhulu Dladla, Lungisani Shange, Bhekani Lamula, Vusi Mthuli, Celumusa Ngobese & Jimmy Khanyile
Songs:
1. Tisha
2. Inculaza
3. Mnthande nawe
PRODUCTION FOR THE CENTRE (2022)
ANIMATEUR | Phala O. Phala
DIRECTOR | Bronwyn Lace
MOMENTEUR FOR THE SO ACADEMY | Athena Mazarakis
DIRECTOR OF CINEMATOGRAPHY & EDITOR | Noah Cohen
SOUND DESIGNER & ENGINEER | Zain Vally
ADMINISTRATOR & STAGE MANAGER | Dimakatso Motholo
SPACE MANAGER AND COSTUMES & PROPS ASSISTANT | Gracious Dube
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON | Hayleigh Evans
PHOTOGRAPHER | Zivanai Matangi
LIVESTREAM ENGINEER | Chris-Waldo de Wet
JUNIOR CINEMATOGRAPHER | Bukhosibakhe Kelvin Khosa
LIGHTING DESIGNER | Wesley France
LIGHTING ENGINEER | Matthews Phala
LIGHTING ASSISTANT | Bongani Mpofu
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT | Gearhouse Split Beam (Pty) Ltd
SOUND ENGINEERING | Soulfire Studios
FRONT OF HOUSE | POPArt Productions
PROCESS WRITER | David Mann
WEBSITE & UPLOADS MANAGER | Niamh Walsh-Vorster
Special thanks:
Linda Leibowitz
Natalie Dembo
Anne McIlleron
Anne Blom
Taryn Buccellato
Joy Woolcott
Chris-Waldo de Wet
Jacques van Staden
Joey Netshiombo
Diego Sillands
Thandi Mzizi Nkabinde
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6 окт 2024
