SA: Watch Goethe-Institut Library Jams ft. Zoë Modiga

The project is a partnership between the Goethe-Institut and Power FM 98.7, and seeks to create performing and income-generating opportunities for artists in a safe environment while simultaneously producing fresh digital content. The initiative was begun amid the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa.

Other artists who have benefited from this initiative include local hip hop collective The Charles Gene Suite and SA-based Zimbabwean amapiano singer Sha Sha.

“Three artists perform short concerts in front of a small, select audience in the Goethe-Institut’s library [in Johannesburg], while their performances are recorded and then later released in a video series,” Goethe-Institut said.

Modiga performed ‘Umdali’ and ‘Abantu’, among other songs. She played with her band featuring Banda Banda (bass), Curt Petrus (keys), Irie Bolaji (drums) and Sthembiso Bhengu (trumpet).

“Bassist Banda Banda’s shirt by local fashion label UrbanZulu was also a fitting choice, as the music made me think of Busi Mhlongo’s iconic album numerous times,” the Goethe-Insitut’s Jonas Radunz said. “But after all, Zoë Modiga has carved her own sound from the many influences surrounding her – a sound that left us in the audience in pure awe. Some might have even shed tears of joy. As she explains with her song 'Isegazini', we don’t need to look on the outside for whatever it is we are looking for, as it is all within us.

Watch the full performance below: