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Ha Mojela and Unoyiwawa Double Album Launch
Sun Dec 3, 14:00 - Sun Dec 3, 18:00
Glory
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Please join us in a cross generational authentic Indigenous African Music experience, with the double album launch by Kgomotso le Roux and her mentor Rosy Morero Bulane aka Neno.The long-awaited releases of UNOYIWAWA by Kgomotso le Roux and HA MOJELA by Neno, present an amalgam of musical elements influenced by Jazz, Soul, Tshivenda Rhythms, Mbaqanga Sesotho traditional music and spiritual music.
The bond between Kgomotso and Neno has a long history, stemming from Kgomotso’s academic study at WITS University in ethnomusicology in 2006. As part of her academic study Kgomotso le Roux was on a quest to unearth the rich musical history of our indigenous communities by documenting the narratives of its key custodians. This journey eventually led her to Neno, a music icon since the 1970’s with a specific focus on indigenous music. Even though Neno successfully launched an album with Gallo in the 1970’s she had long since given up on her music, and her career in the music industry. What remained were her magnificent compositions. Her last album was in the 1970’s and she also continued a career in television which gave her another channel of expression. Kgomotso engaged her in a series of interviews and with the transference of knowledge came resonance, mutual respect and love towards a common goal.
“If it wasn’t for Neno and Mme Seipati Bulane Hopa, I would have never given our music a chance,” Kgomotso le Roux
NENO, at 78 years old, is finally launching her compositions in the Ha Mojela album with the formidable support of Khwela Factory and of Kgomotso to begin the journey of having her works performed.
Kgomotso’s compositions are in isiZulu, Tshivenda, Sesotho, French, English and Shona influenced primarily by Tshivenda Traditional Rhythms. Kgomotso began composing at the tender age of 9. She has gone on to work with some of South Africa’s distinguished including but not limited to Mpumi Dlamini, RJ Benjamin, Ifani, Letoya Makhene, Blondie Makhene, Tlale Makhene, Yonela Manana, Theo Nhlengethwa and Tresor. She has also produced albums for a number of independent musicians. In September 2017 Kgomotso performed at Dr. Sello Galane’s Pula Festival at the State Theatre in Pretoria.
UNOYIWAWA is Kgomotso le Roux’s debut album after 14 years in the music industry having started as a backing vocalist in 2003. The album is aptly named after UNOYIWAWA, a Mythical African Super Hero, who is the “Strong One who does not Fall who protects communities from natural disasters.” Unoyiwawa is daughter to Nomkhubulwane the Zulu deity of nature, fertility and rain.
To ensure that this unique experience is extended to a wide audience of music appreciators the launch will take place at two venues across Johannesburg – EST1912 Arts and Culture Hub on Saturday the 2nd of December and at Glory on Sunday the 3rd of December 2017.
In addition to live performances, audiences will enjoy a multi-disciplinary showcase of fashion, through the Premier of the Khwela Factory clothing brand.
Apart from answering her calling as a musician, Kgomotso le Roux is the CEO of Khwela Factory, a clothing and textile manufacturing company. Khwela Factory specializes in project management, manufacturing uniforms and custom-made clothing. The musical gems will be dressed by Kwela Factory and backed by an amazing ensemble which includes, Nhlanhla Nevile Radebe on the double bass, Yonela Mnana on keys, Mabeleng Moholo on percussions, Kgomotso on mbira/vocals, Vumile Mchunu and Musa Nkosi on vocals.
A percentage of the proceeds for the launch will be donated to the Home of Hope Community Center towards assisting primary and high school learners whose families are experiencing severe financial and social challenges by providing them with music, visual art, storytelling, science, educational and nutritional support.
Event Program for launch event at Glory in Melville is:
- Guests arrive at 2pm and network
- Keynote address by Motsumi Makhene at 3:00pm
- Performance starts at 3:15pm
- Event ends at 6:00pm