Life and times of Amapiano phenomenon DBN Gogo to be on display at Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival
Other entertainers who will grace the stage include Mandla Spikiri, Blxckie, Big Zulu, Msaki as well as; Lelowhatsgood, iPhupho L’ka Biko; MamThug, Kyotic, DJ Mr X, Bonj, Fif_Laaa, Bonj, DJ Zero, Thabie, Melo B Jones, DJ Walker; Mo_Niks, and AN.D.
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
Just as her career had taken off and clubbers from Limpopo to Cape Town were pounding the dance floors with their dance moves, the terrible and tragic pandemic hit hard and threatened to spoil the fun that came with this new sound, kwaito derived Amapiano.
However even as they were marooned in their own homes, not allowed to go out unnecessarily, and gatherings such as clubbing banned out rightly as authorities scrambled plans and strategies to halt the spread of this stifling disease of the lungs, this did not stop the music of the people.
It continued to boom in homes, with especially young people enjoying the sound even in lockdown, alone or with close family members. Older generations must have felt frustrated with their kids playing something that they did not understand nor had developed a taste for it. The Amapiano sound continued to conquer the ears, mind and hearts of not only South Africans, but a global music market thirsty for something new, something that would distract them from focusing on the Covid-19 danger that faced them and constantly threatened their existence.
Just like every music sound that emerges in societies from time to time, Amapiano had its own heroes and heroines, proponents that pushed the genre into the mainstream public consciousness.
One of such heroine is DBN Gogo, who became a popular name on everyone’s lips who cares about dance music in South Africa. It is a name that became even more popular when restrictions were eased in 2021, allowing a certain number of people in venues. Durban Gogo became one of the most booked Amapiano DJ, from Maboneng to Sandton, Durban to Cape Town.
This certainly was her time, the time of Amapiano, and just like the era of kwaito that saw names such as Arthur, M’du, TKZee, Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Alaska and Trompies emerge as heroes of the precursor to Amapiano, to name just a few becoming the face of the genre, Durban Gogo too became one of the most recognised faces of this Amapiano that has now taken the globe by storm. And coming at a time when the world had just been enthralled by another South African dance song, Jerusalema by Master KG, Amapiano helped to put South Africa on the global popular culture map, a global player that could no longer be ignored when it comes to contributing to global culture. Durban Gogo, alongside her colleagues, helped immensely in popularising the genre.
Many who love this sound, will therefore understandably be happy, even about the last minute inclusion of the popular DJ in the annual culture feast, Basha Uhuru at Con Hill this October. Atr thius festival of the arts, which celebrates its 10th year. Themed Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, DBN Gogo will be joned by other top atc that includeBlxckie,Msaki, Mandla Spikiri, Big Zulu & Lelowhatsgood plus a host of creative workshops, immersions and experiences
This festival, Johannesburg’s most anticipated creative festival, Constitution Hill’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival fired up by Nando’s, will offer a jam-packed line-up of creative immersions and experiences for its 10th anniversary. Tickets are R150 – R200 on Webtickets.
A signature event of Constitution Hill Museum and National Heritage site, the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival was founded in 2012 to immortalise the memory of the youth who fought for their right to choose in the Soweto 1976 Uprising, affording youth of today the freedom to create.
Commemorating its 10-year anniversary, and fired up by long-term partner Nando’s, the festival runs from 25 October to 29 October 2022 at Constitution Hill. This year Basha Uhuru welcomes supporting partners SOL; BASA; Brand SA; Brand SA Global; Gauteng Tourism; Hollywood Foundation and the Gauteng Province’s Department of Economic Development
The full programme of performances, creative workshops, immersions and experiences can be found on https://bashauhuru.co.za/
Sounds of Freedom Music Festival: 29 October 2022
In true Basha style, the festival culminates on 29 October with the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival. Curated to provide space for up-and-coming artists and new talent, the music festival this year is headlined by local mega stars, DBN Gogo, Mandla Spikiri, Blxckie, Big Zulu, Msaki as well as; Lelowhatsgood, iPhupho L’ka Biko; MamThug, Kyotic, DJ Mr X, Bonj, Fif_Laaa, Bonj, DJ Zero, Thabie, Melo B Jones, DJ Walker; Mo_Niks, and AN.D.
The music festival opens at 10h00, and festivalgoers will enjoy ongoing flaming hot music showcases throughout day, starting with talent curated by Bridges For Music. The line-up includes performances from Amapiano talents Aymos and Basetana, as well as alumni from Bridges Academy, including Kallo, Frigid Armadillo (DJ) and Phodii (DJ). There will also be performances by the Nandoca Uhurus, who are part of the Nando’s internal music talent development programme. This year they will receive mentorship from Msaki and Bonga Kwana and not only perform on the main stage but attend all the music workshops and panel discussions to help nurture and develop their talents.
Feeding creativity at conference week: 25 – 28 October 2022
The Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival Creative Week is an all-encompassing creative showcase, an opportunity for creatives and aspiring creatives to come together, be inspired, showcase their talents and feed their creativity.
Each day has a particular creative focus offering masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops and dialogues. For the first time ever, people can choose to purchase tickets for each of the days or for the whole week, allowing them to select sessions more relevant to their interests.
25 October 2022: Business
26 October 2022: Design
27 October 2022: Art
28 October 2022: Music
The Nexus of Art and Technology – Design Battles and Workshops
There will be a Nando’s Hot Young Designer installation, and on 26 October, the winner of the 2022 Nando’s Hot Young Designer talent search will also be announced at Basha Uhuru. On 27 October, the professionally produced song in partnership with Flame Studios, will be officially launched by the Nandoca Uhurus.
Evening programmes are jam-packed, featuring music, local film productions, and a poetry slam showcase.
Evening conversation include:
• *&$#%UP Sessions: successful creatives share stories of professional failure. Failure is a part of any success story, but we don’t talk about it enough. This session aims to break down stigmas, and amplify the message that failure is healthy and essential to learning and growing
• Queer Representation in Media and Performance: Exploring the positive and negatives of Queer representation in media and the arts. Creative Week Tickets are R100 on Webtickets for the week – includes attendance for all four days, or R50 per day.
Programme highlights:
DIY + CO-CREATE Creative business building workshops
• In these hands-on workshops, creatives and entrepreneurs learn from industry experts with the latest strategies for business growth. These workshops are designed to empower individuals to take ownership of their success with insider tips and secrets from some of the most successful thought-leaders around.
• Workshop expert topics include Marketing, Business Planning, Design, Social Media, Storytelling/Video, Public Relations, Google Tools, and more.
Art & Design:
• The Language of Pattern: Panel moderated by Malibongwe Tyilo with inspiring local designers Sifiso Shange, Tracy Lynch of Clout SA and Glorinah Mabaso of Renaissance Design that unpacks how patterns can be used in design.
• Materials and Design Choices: Panel discussion with Ashanti Design, Candice Laurence of Modern Gesture, Thabisa Mjo of Mash. T Design, and Tracy Lynch of Clou
• Artists’ Work Identity: Panel discussion moderated by Boitumelo Tumy Motsoatsoe with insights from artists Mbali Tshabalala, Khaya Sineyile, Ludumo Maqabuka and Eric Rantisi
• Augmented Reality Technology in Art: Presented by Robyn Pretorius, this session centres around how to use AR, bridging the gap between the digital and physical
• Future of Art: Founders of new art platforms, BKHZ Latitudes and TACS/Danger Ingozi explore the future of art
• Design Battles: Professional designers, emerging designers and freelance designers test their skills before a live audience. Competition rounds are 20-30 minutes each -fast and furious and culminate in a final battle.
Music:
• Managing your mental health as an artist: Insights and advice on maintaining wellness for career success and overall wellbeing – managing the pressures of the music industry.
• Collaborative Song-writing: Hosted at the Flame Studios, this workshop is an opportunity to be guided by none other than the iPhupho L’ka Biko band members! In this masterclass, members of the band will explain how they write songs and collaborate. It is open to all songwriters, regardless of experience level.
• Reimagining Your Creative Self with Ntsikelelo Mzibomvu: Based on his book of the same title, Ntsikelelo’s masterclass at Flame Studios will take you on a journey of self-discovery, self-mastery and empowerment.
Art and technology:
“Creative Nexus – Where technology & the creative industries meet” is a full day session that will enrich the possibilities for creative people and artists working with new media technologies, including: Interactive Art & Interactive Installations, Virtual Worlds, Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality, animation Games & Interactivity and the Metaverse.
Full Creative Week Schedule:
25 Oct 22 THEME BUSINESS
11h00 – 17h00 DIY +Co-Create – Business Building Workshops and Panel Discussions– Product development; sales; business management and more – Full Day Program.
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
17h00 SOL SUNSET SESSIONS Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
26 Oct 22 DESIGN
11h00 The language of Pattern : What’s all the fuss?
PANEL DISCUSSION: Patterns and how they can be utilised within Design elements
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
12h30 Material’s and the choices Designers make.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Patterns and how they can be utilised within Design elements
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
14h00 The SA Design Industry and the opportunities it represents.
PANEL DISCUSSION: These artists will be sharing experience, talking of how the Design Industry has moved forward over the years as well as opportunities gained
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
17h00 SOL SUNSET SESSIONS Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
18h30 *&$#%UP Sessions; Sharing stories of Failure.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Six successful creatives share stories of professional failure. Failure is a part of any success story, but we don’t talk about it enough. This session aims to break down stigmas, and amplify the message that failure is healthy and essential to learning and growing.
Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
20h00 FILM SCREENING – A Grave Confession
Followed by a Q&A Session with writer director David Mzomba. Presented by UMBONO Film Screenings
Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
22h00 CLOSE
27 Oct 22 THEME ART
11h00 Artists Work Identity. PANEL DISCUSSION: The desire to know who we truly are could take us on unpredictable and difficult journeys across time and space, artists invite their audiences to become witnesses to their personal stories and histories, making themselves vulnerable to an outsider’s view.
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
12h30 Growing Beyond Borders. PANEL DISCUSSION: These artists have sought opportunities to learn, to grow their practices, to connect with new audiences, and to contribute their unique insights into the world we all share – allowing the audience a glimpse into the lives and inner worlds of the people who created them.
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
12h30 Material’s and the choices Designers make PANEL DISCUSSION: Patterns and how they can be utilised within Design elements
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
14h00 The Future of Art
PANEL DISCUSSION: Founders of new art platforms – BKHZ Latitudes, TACS/Danger Ingozi explore the future of art
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
17h00 SOL SUNSET SESSIONS Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
18h30 Queer Representation In Media & Performance’ seeks to explore the positive and negatives of Queer representation in media and the arts.
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
20h00 Poetry Showcase
Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
22h00 CLOSE
Program 1 – 28 Oct 22 -Nexus of Art & Technology Program
DATE TIME Name & Description Venue
28 Oct 22 THEME Nexus of Art & Technology Women’s Jail
10h00 – FULL DAY DESIGN BATTLES:
Unlike submission-based design contests, this tournament is a battle format where professional designers, emerging designers and freelance designers test their skills before a live audience. It requires competitors to rapidly perform as their computer displays their projects onto large projection screens. Competition rounds are 20-30 minutes each -fast and furious.
Learning Loft – Women’s Jail
11h00 The Complex and exciting medium of Augmented Reality Technology in Art. MASTER CLASS: How to use AR and bridging the gap between the physical, how far technology can integrate into creating something more – From Art to an experience
Ideas Tank – Women’s Jail
17h00 SOL SUNSET SESSIONS Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
20H00 Design Battle Finals
A dance of visual artistry accompanied by DJ music, an MC (host) in the presence of an active audience .
Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
22H00 CLOSE
Program 2 – Music 28 Oct 22:
DATE TIME Name & Description Venue
28 Oct 22 THEME MUSIC
11h00 Reimagining Your Creative Self with Ntsikelelo Mzibomvu. MASTERCLASS: Based on his book of the same title, Ntsikelelo’s masterclass will take you on a journey of self-discovery, self-mastery and empowerment.
Flame Studio – Old Fort
12h30 Collaborative Song-writing
Flame Studio – Old Fort
14h00 Amapiano to The World.
PANEL DISCUSSION: The proliferation of Amapiano locally and internationally
Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
15h30 Managing your mental health as an artist. PANEL DISCUSSION: Sharing insights and advice on maintaining wellness for career success and overall wellbeing.
Chill Zone – Women’s Jail
14h00 The SA Design Industry and the opportunities it represents.
PANEL DISCUSSION: These artists will be sharing experience, talking of how the Design Industry has moved forward over the years as well as opportunities gained
Idea’s Tank – Women’s Jail
17h00 SOL SUNSET SESSIONS Chill Zone – Women’s Jail.