This exhibition commemorates iconic Xhosa musician Dr Latozi “Madosini” Mpahleni (1942-2022) and her role in the preservation of South Africa’s cultural heritage. Madosini was internationally acclaimed for her mastery of Xhosa traditional instruments and made it her life’s mission to entrust this indigenous knowledge to the new generation. In the spirit of her commitment to the transfer of knowledge, this exhibition has been built in recognition of Madosini herself as a living archive. An archive that does not wish to remain stagnant and untouched, but one that shifts and changes as we move through it.
The exhibition space will also be activated by live performers, including two free shows.
24 June at 11h00: The Ngqoko Women’s Ensemble
1 July at 11h00: Thandeka Mfinyongo
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Project developed collaboratively with ILAM, Raphaela Linders, Elijah Madiba and Thandeka Bengu.
With contributions from: Kuhle Ngqezana, Dr Lee Watkins, Dr Boudina McConnachie, Bradley Jackson, Sikhumbuzo Makandula, Robyn Perros, Themba Baleni, Bafana Zembe, ALT BLK Continua and Msaki.
Special thanks to the Mphahleni family, especially Phumeza Mphahleni.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The Ngqoko Women’s Ensemble
The Ngqoko Women’s Ensemble hails from the Eastern Cape, and sing haunting split-tone and overtone ancestral songs. The rare tradition of overtonal or throat-singing only exists within the Tuva of Mongolia, the Inuit of Canada, and Xhosa of South Africa. These women are a local group, long under-recognised at home, but who have toured internationally. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an ancient and rare tradition and to witness these powerful women perform on home soil.
Thandeka Mfinyongo
Thandeka Mfinyongo is a musician born and raised in Nyanga East, Cape Town (South Africa). Mfinyongo’s love and passion for performing arts started at a very young age at church. In 2017, she graduated with a Performer’s Diploma in Music; in 2018, she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in African Music from the University of Cape Town. Mfinyongo specialises in two Xhosa instruments, uhadi (gourd/calabash bow) and umrhubhe (mouth-bow). And she recently finished her Master’s in Music Performance at SOAS University of London, majoring in kora (an instrument from West Africa). Mfinyongo is currently doing her PhD in Ethnomusicology at Rhodes University. Mfinyongo has a tremendous presence on stage and is an experienced vocalist, uhadi and umrhubhe player. Mfinyongo is inspired by an older generation of musicians, such as Madosini, whom she spent time with learning and deepening her knowledge.
