Don't miss Dr Thokozani Mhlambi's groundbreaking concert in Observatory

Internationally acclaimed cellist, vocalist, and cultural pioneer Dr. Thokozani Mhlambi will present a concert, Thokozani Mhlambi & Friends, at Theatre Arts in Observatory on Sunday, October 5.

Dr Mhlambi plays a custom-made baroque cello and sings in isiZulu, bringing African traditional anthems like indlamu and umtshotsho with the soundscapes of Afrofuturism.

Dr Mhlambi will be joined by guest artists, including violinist Edward Fungayi and dancer Darion Thorne.

Dr Mhlambi is from KwaZulu-Natal, and stays in Observatory when he visits Cape Town. He has performed at renowned venues in Chicago, Berlin, New Orleans, New York, and São Paulo.

The show coincides with the release of Mhlambi’s new single, Plea for Africa, a heritage song originally composed by John Knox Bokwe.

Dr Mhlambi explains the influence of the song on his work: “Back in the 1870s, when there were not many pianos in South Africa, John Knox Bokwe, while at Lovedale Missionary Institute, started to compose music fusing the Western hymn-style with Xhosa lyrics. I consider John Knox Bokwe the father of African composition. He is my role model as I imagine the music of the future."

Thokozani Mhlambi & Friends will show at Theatre Arts, on the Corner of Milton Road and Wesley Street, Observatory, on Sunday, October 5, from 6pm.

Tickets are available at Theatre Arts by visiting www.theatrearts.co.za