BREATHE CONCERT is a collaborative musical performance featuring a number of solo performers and acts from Johannesburg, South Africa. The performance took place at The Centre for the Less Good Idea in January 2022 as part of The Centre’s For Once programme.

The performers are backed by William Kentridge’s “Blue Rubric” artwork for The Centre’s Highway Notice Project (2020/21). “BREATHE,” reads the billboard-sized text. It is both an instruction and a reminder – inhale, pause, exhale. In the same vein, BREATHE CONCERT is something of a brief pause, and a moment to reflect on an acutely difficult period. It is also an opportunity to celebrate human resilience and strength despite the challenges.

Opening the programme is the Jeppestown-based Inselelo YeMbube Isicathamiya Choir who activate the stage with compelling choral work and shimmering, synchronised choreography, delivering a performance that’s rooted in voice and body alike. Micca Manganye and Volley Nchabeleng then bring their dynamic percussion and multi-instrumentalism to the stage, looping and building upon single notes to develop a metered and mesmeric soundscape.

Following a spirited reprise from Inselelo YeMbube, the Jazzmeloz Band take to the stage one by one, fronted by Siphiwe Sip Nkabinde. All through his set, Nkabinde maintains a compelling synergy with the band, his movements on the stage corresponding with the crashing cymbals and high, heady notes of the guitar behind him.

Anathi “Ithana” Conjwa’s set begins with a moment of silence – another opportunity to pause and reflect – and sees the artist kneeling as she performs her first song “River Run”. By the end of her set, she delivers a rallying, emphatic performance that sees her making full use of the stage and the band. Xolisile Bongwana maintains this energy through his compelling showmanship as well as a few compositions that allow for a good number of solos from the Jazzmeloz band members. Closing the concert is Zandile Hlatshwayo whose arresting and narrative-driven songs traverse the themes of loss, love and determination.

Initially intended as the closing performance of 2021, but ultimately waylaid as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, BREATHE CONCERT serves as a poignant and profound debut event for The Centre’s 2022 programme. It is both a tribute to breath and body, and a celebration of live performance.

– David Mann

CREDITS:

MUSICIANS & PERFORMERS | Xolisile Bongwana, Anathi Ithana Conjwa, Siphiwe Sip Nkabinde, Zandile Hlatswayo, Volley Nchabeleng & Micca Manganye
INSELELO YEMBUBE ISICATHAMIYA CHOIR | Lungelo Masango, Thobekani Masango, Skhulu Dladla, Lungisani Shange, Bhekani Lamula, Vusi Mthuli, Celumusa Ngobese & Jimmy Khanyile
JAZZMELOZ BAND | Thami Mahlangu (saxophone), Thabo Mofokeng (drums), Marvin Manyaka (keys), Xolani Skosana (guitar), Thabiso Modikoe (bass), Micca Manganye (percussion), Themby Khumalo, Sweetness Shongwe & Skhumbuzo Ndaba (backing vocals)