Gallery University Stellenbosch (GUS) hosts the “Afrikan Freedom Principle” free performance of jazz music created in a multi disciplinary workshop, tomorrow, Thursday November 30, at 6pm.
Before the performance, trumpeter Mandla Mlangeni invited local musicians, poets, dancers and artists for a workshop in collaboration. The workshop, held at GUS, is co-facilitated by Dizu Plaatjies and Shakeel Sohail-Gibran Cullis. This initiative is free thanks to the ongoing commitment from Africa Open – Institute for Music, Research and Innovation.
An additional morning performance at Ghetto Art Gallery
Mandla Mlangeni comes from Johannesburg to introduce his Afrikan Freedom Principle initiative to Stellenbosch. Mlangeni curates, composes, performs and leads the vision of inclusive music experiences by facilitating cultural participation through music.
“I believe it will harness innovative thinking given the space to flourish,” he says.
“This is an amazing opportunity for us: to perform for our peers, see what other artists are doing, and be part of an event that takes us beyond our comfort zones as performing musicians and composers.”
The Afrikan Freedom Principle is an umbrella movement that was founded in 2013 with the aim of creating an incubator that will facilitate and encourage young and older established musicians to share their talents in the form of open rehearsal at venues where the public can freely access the music making process.
The movement wishes to increase public exposure to high quality music from established practitioners. The programme focuses on developing new material and showcasing multidisciplinary collaborations to local audiences, communities and schools.
In addition to the show at GUS, the musicians will present a free morning public performance at Ghetto Art Gallery on Friday December 1, at 11am, as a point of access for marginalised communities to experience the creative offerings.
Ghetto Art Gallery is based near Kayamandi at 251 Bird Street. GUS is based on the corner of Dorp and Bird streets, Stellenbosch. For more information, contact Valeria at 071 550 1427 or gus@sun.ac.za
