Mayibuye iAfrika Concert Returns with Legendary Musical Line-Up
Following rave reviews and sold-out inaugural show last year, Billy Monama’s Mayibuye iAfrika Concert returns this year on 24 and 25 May for an extended show featuring a legendary musical line-up including Ringo, Hotstix Mabuse, Mahotella Queens, Hope Masike, Simphiwe Dana and Siphokazi.
The second edition of this popular concert, slated for the Joburg Theatre, commemorates 30 years of South African democracy and will showcase artists joining forces to engage in a reflective journey through the power of song and an exploration of South Africa’s progress over the past three decades.
Encouraged by the previous sold-out event and an increased audience demand, Mayibuye iAfrika will now offer an extended run of two concert nights, supplemented with a one-day informative workshop, featuring lectures by Academics, Researchers, Musicians and Music Educators.
Mayibuye iAfrika is the brainchild of renowned Guitarist, Author, Composer and Arranger Billy Monama, whose passion for researching South Africa’s liberation history led to his desire to honour patriotic artists who were at the forefront of their motherland.
“Mayibuye iAfrika is a musical commemoration of South African freedom songs and their composers with the aim of promoting social cohesion, cross-cultural understanding and rich artistic African heritage and the rebirth of Ubuntu” says Billy.
Mayibuye iAfrika will be hosted in partnership with the internationally-renowned Joburg Theatre.
“I am immensely proud to welcome the triumphant return of the Mayibuye iAfrika Concert to our iconic Nelson Mandela Stage. This production stands as a beacon of unity, commemorating 30 years of South African democracy through the universal language of music. With a legendary lineup and an extended program, this year’s concert promises to be a profound testament to our nation’s journey towards freedom and cultural richness,” said James Ngcobo, Artistic Director of Joburg City Theatres. “We look forward to celebrating our heritage, embrace diversity, and honour the indomitable spirit of South Africa.”
The Joburg Theatre, which was previously known as Johannesburg’s Civic Theatre, was built by the city council in 1962, and in 2022 it marked its milestone 60 year Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. Adding to the historical and significant elements of the event, Mayibuye iAfrika will be presented at the Nelson Mandela Auditorium at the Joburg Theatre. In the 1960s Nelson Mandela was at the forefront of Operation Mayibuye (Operation ‘Africa, Come Back’) which was a Plan of Action to overthrow the Apartheid regime. ‘Operation Mayibuye’ was also the keystone of the state’s case against the Rivonia Trialists.
“Given all of these coinciding elements, we believe hosting the second Mayibuye iAfrika concert at the Joburg is a fitting tribute to 30 years of South Africa’s freedom,” concludes Billy.”
About Billy Monama:
A guitarist since 1997, composer, arranger and teacher Billy Monama has gone on to perform and record with a host of South Africa’s legends including Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Abigail Kubeka and others. While his music is often ineffable, Monama exalts South Africa’s jazz genius through his arrangements and performances.
