EAST LONDON – Renowned South African pianist, healer, and scholar Nduduzo Makhathini is set to perform his latest work, uNomkhubulwane, at the East London Guild Theatre on 29 August 2024.
This transcendent three-movement suite pays homage to the Zulu Goddess uNomkhubulwane, a manifestation of God’s creation purpose and a symbol of fertility, light, and nature.
Makhathini’s music seeks to commune with supernatural voices on a metaphysical plane, exploring concepts that return him to the dawn of time. The suite is inspired by the goddess, who represents the essence of being and the balance of nature.
Through his music, Makhathini invites humanity to cultivate ways of being that yearn for freedom and balance. The performance will feature a stellar band, including Ayanda Sikade, Benjamin Jeptha, and Linda Sikhakhane, with special guests Dumza Maswana and Sakhile Simani.
According to Makhathini, “we have to strive for a world where freedom, hope, and grace abound. uNomkhubulwane happens a testament to the power of music to transcend and transform and a fitting tribute to the Zulu Goddess who inspired it”.
The suite is divided into three movements, each addressing a different aspect of the human experience. The first movement, “Libations,” confronts the collective black memory of oppression and the silencing of voices. The second movement, “Water Spirits,” seeks to restore vital energy and essence through cleansing and summoning.
The third movement, “Inner Attainment,” strives for transcendence, bringing abundance and freedom to our current time and physical plane.
Basically, uNomkhubulwane is an invitation to humanity to embrace hope, grace, and freedom. Makhathin i’s musical journey offers a path of self-discovery, healing, and renewal, urging us to find our voices and strive for a better world.
Nontando Mbonwa
