Africa Now! Festival Highlights the Music of South Africa at the Apollo Theater
The vibrant music presented at Saturday’s “Africa Now” concert at Harlem's Apollo Theater was strong evidence that music in contemporary South Africa has gone far beyond the more traditional isicathamiya and mbube singing styles popularized by Ladysmith Black Mambazo thirty years ago. Emceed by the legendary trumpet player Hugh Masekela, the evening was a showcase for the 3rd annual “Africa Now!” festival produced by the World Music Institute, one of the country’s leading presenters of world music.
Jumpstarting the show at the Apollo was a rousing performance by a cappella group The Soil, an affable trio that exhibeted tight harmonies while allowing each singer to showcase his or her voice through engaging solos. Composed of Buhlebendalo Mda (aka Buhle) and two brothers, Ntsika Fana Ngxanga (aka Da FanArtistc) and Luphindo Ngxanga (aka Master P), they sounded a bit like the early 70's Manhattan Transfer. But, if that group was all about airy, jazzy fun, The Soil is more earthbound, singing songs about everyday family life in Soweto. Their signature song, "Joy (We Are Family)," says it all.
Master P's virtuoso prowess at making beat box and other musical instrument sounds had the audience wondering where all the music was coming from with only three people on stage, all of whom appeared to be singing. The audience rewarded the irresistible performance with a standing ovation, which visibly thrilled the group. "Our mothers would be so proud!" they responded, clearly overwhelmed by the warm reception at the venerable Apollo.
Following the happy and shining harmonies of The Soil, there was a sea change in sound when Boitumelo “Tumi” Molekane came onstage. A big man with a big voice, Molekane and his supporting musicians shook the walls of the Apollo with his blend of rap, hip hop, and what might be called rap metal, with a heavy use of bass and drums without guitars—maybe what Public Enemy might have sounded like if they had come from Soweto instead of Long Island.
Featuring songs such as “Hello Hello Kitty” and the title track from his upcoming album, Rob the Church, Tumi Molekane sometimes rapped, sometimes sang. His stage demeanor was somewhat mysterious, as when he lowered the lights and donned a red cloak in a spotlight. Other times, he bounced around the stage playfully, singing with a more amorous slant while smiling broadly.
The second half of the show was turned over to Simphiwe Dana, a willowy singer dressed in all black, with long fringes on her sleeves. It was clear she had supportive fans in the house, who greeted her warmly and made knowing and approving sounds when she introduced each song. She brought to mind Whitney Houston, not only for her appearance but also for her versatile voice, which could hold the house spellbound with its ringing power in one song, then make the Apollo seem like her living room in the next. She reeled in the audience with a carefully modulated softness, bringing a sense of intimacy to the auditorium. For several songs, a lone guitarist at the back of the stage played brilliantly as her main musical support.
New Yorkers have an unusually rich array of South African music choices from which to choose this fall. In addition to Africa Now!, Carnegie Hall is simultaneously sponsoring a festival this week called “UBUNTU: Music and Arts of South Africa,” with events all over the city. Both events are intended to show that music in South Africa isn't just limited to the traditional Zulu and Xhosa music that many Americans have come to know over the last quarter-century, but is a lively mix of all styles and genres.
More photos can be found here.