The Alliance Française of Johannesburg proudly presents
September Jive – A Tribute to SA Musical Heritage
01 to 30 September 2016

September Jive is a tribute to the musical heritage of South Africa. A series of events will provide a platform to meet, discuss and engage around the incredible diversity and history that makes South Africa such a rich musical country. September Jive comprises two exhibitions as well as panel discussions, screenings, meetings and talks. It aims at promoting the South African musical heritage, from a musicological, historical and visual perspective.

 EXHIBITIONS

SA musical graphics – classics and collectables presents 150 of the most interesting, important and beautiful sleeve covers, with a special focus on truly South African designs, which could have emanated only from this country. The selection was made by a group consisting of collectors and designers (Siemon Allen, Rob Allingham, Caroline Hillary, Molemo Moiloa).

My favourite sounds – Music and media personalities speak out about their favourite tracks and albums, consist of 50 photo portraits of music and media personalities including Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Johnny Clegg, Brenda Sisane… accompanied by short interviews about their favourite South African music and explaining why they chose it. This exhibition is the work of photographer Kapula. 

A digital platform for the general public to join in, share and contribute by sending their own favourite recordings and sleeves will be provided:  www.facebook.com/septemberjive / instagram: @september_jive / twitter: septemberjive

PROGRAMME

•  Thursday 01 September (18:30)

Opening of both exhibitions

•  Friday 02 September (18:30)

Screening: Phuzekhemisi (Damon Heatlie)

•  Wednesday 07 September (18:30)

Forbidden sounds, music and censorship in the time of apartheid (presented by Michael Drewett)

This presentation explores the apartheid regime’s popular music censorship practices, from the banning of ‘undesirable’ music from distribution (and sometimes possession) to keeping the airwaves clear of subversive messages.

• Friday 09 September (18:30)

Screening: Amandla! A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony (Lee Hirsh)

•  Thursday 15 September (18:30)

Past to the present, old sounds to modern ears

This panel discussion is about the re-issues market, from compilations to original albums. It focuses on 4 specialised labels, their successes and challenges in a time of sampling and DJs.

Moderator: Richard Nwamba (SAFM); panellists: Chris Albertyn, Rob Allingham, Alain Courbis, Benjy Mudie.

•  Friday 16 September (18:30)

Screening: Dilemma (Peter Maxwell) – excerpt and Africa Shakes (Basil Mailer)

•  Thursday 22 September (18:30)

SA cult albums, divine sounds?

This panel discussion addresses the notion of “cult” for a work of popular art. The 1968 song Yakhal’ Inkomo by Winston “Mankunku” Ngozi is one of the best examples of a record achieving cult status. But what does it mean? And which social and political factors are at work to make such a work cult?

Moderator: Brenda Sisane (Kaya fm); panellists: Percy Mabandu, Lloyd Ross, other panellists to be confirmed.

• Friday 23 September (18:30)

Screening: Jiving And Dying – The Radio Rats Story (Michael Cross)

•  Wednesday 28 September (18:30)

A Brief History of the SA Musical Industry (presented by Rob Allingham)

This talk will cover a century of producing, marketing and distributing local music, from the early years to the greatest successes and to the downward trends of the present.

•  Friday 30 September (18:30)

Screening: Future sound of Mzansi (Nthato Mokgata & Lebogang Rasethaba)

September Jive – A Tribute to SA Musical Heritage is presented by the Alliance Française of Johannesburg, curated by Rob Allingham and supported by the Southern African Music Right Organisation (SAMRO) and the French Institute of South Africa.

All events are for free and opened to anyone.

All the events are happening at the Alliance Française of Johannesburg

17 Lower Park Drive, corner Kerry Road, opposite Zoo Lake

Parkview, Johannesburg

 

September Jive – A Tribute to SA Musical Heritage will later on travel to the Alliances Françaises of Cape Town and Durban.

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