Call for participation: Afro Arts SA Rhythm and Blues programme

The event is supported by the National Arts Council in South Africa and forms part of the organisation’s Africa Month celebrations.

The workshop and concert will be streamed on Afro Arts SA’s official website and Facebook page from 7pm CAT. The workshop will be presented by South African artists Msaki, Shekhinah, Vusi Mahlasela and Avzal Ismail. It will aim to educate and enrich the participants in songwriting techniques.

The concert will feature intergenerational artists from various genres, including contemporary vocalist Bonj, bassist Aus Tebza, Afrobeat musician Femi Koya and Standard Bank Young Artist award winner, trombone player, vocalist and composer Siya Makuzeni.

Other artists on the line-up are The Brother Moves On, Yonela Mnana, Albert Frost, Andre Kriel from Black Cat Bones, Nelisiwe Sibiya, Themby Khumalo, Bra Themba Mokoena, Gunshot Blue and Lindsay McGuire.

“We have assembled an in-house rhythm and blues band, directed by acclaimed jazz artist Avzal Ismail,” Afro Arts Rhythm and Blues Virtual Concert director Roshnie Moonsammy said. “It comprises a stellar range of South African jazz musicians of the likes of Mandla Mlangeni (trumpet), Sisonke Xonti (sax), Sims Tshabala (drums), Thapelo Khumisi (keys), Nhlanhla Radebe (bass) and Mark Komane (guitarist).”

Afro Arts SA focuses on managing events and festivals consisting of all genres across the arts. Some notable cultural programmes that the organisation has developed include the Arts Alive International Festival, the African Women Writers Symposium, Africa Month Festivals and the Urban Voices Festival. Afro Arts SA is also geared towards empowering female artists and aiming to ensure that female cultural workers have a meaningful role in shaping discourse.