Samanthole Arts Foundation

The Berlin Conference (1884–1885), which Otto von Bismarck organised, was merely a tool that ensured a total takeover of natural resources and settlement of disputes between the European powers with interests in Africa to create fictitious borders of ownership, allowing various European nations to claim almost all of present-day Africa. Gregory Vuyani Maqoma exits the stage with a bang through Exit/Exist. Gregory Vuyani Maqoma on stage.  Pic: Facebook  Gregory Vuyani Maqoma gives us a taste of history in his iconic dance performance, Exit/Exist. The performance is based on his ancestor King Jongumsobomvu Maqoma (c. 1798 – 9 September 1873) who was a commander in chief of the Xhosa forces during the Cape Frontier Wars. King Maqoma was imprisoned twice at the Robben Island by the Europeans for his commitment to protecting the land of his forebears. He came into prominence after his older brother King Mgolombane Sandile (1820–1878), who was a ruler of the Right Hand House of t

With very few theatre spaces in South Africa, TX Productions Theatre at Moses Molelekwa Community Centre in Tembisa Township is arguably the best of spaces. TX is a performing arts Company which was established in 2008 by Mxolisi Masilela, who also serves as an Artistic Director. His contribution to arts education, development, writing, directing, mentorship and giving opportunities to lesser-known theatre practitioners in the theatre landscape is remarkable. Whenever I find myself at this centre I feel no need to explain myself as a black arts practitioner. One can see how proud and tall black people walk in this space. Two words to describe this are: 'liberating experience'. The young arts practitioners here have warmth; with hugs and firm handshakes even on their first encounter with you.  Itumeleng Moeketsi and Dr. Refiloe Lepere.  Pic Supplied.  TX is an interdisciplinary seedbed space where black people feel seen and valued; testing ideas; a welcoming home for

Hamilton Dhlamini and Thulani Mtshweni brought to life the evils of apartheid through their magnificent stage presence and extraordinary monologues. Their theatrical prowess is showcased by their ability to portray different characters - switching roles between and within the scene with minimal props and costumes. Produced by Ndlondlo Productions, directed by Hamilton Dhlamini and stage managed by Phumeza Damage, this four-decade old play, Woza Albert, was originally written by Percy Mthwa, Mbongeni Ngema and Barney Simon. This two-hander piece is currently touring South Africa, fresh from Eswatini. It mesmerised audiences in Alexandra Township for two days - 10th and 11th of June 2023 - and the next stop is the Makhanda National Arts Festival.  Thulani Mtshweni and Hamilton Dhlamini. Pic Supplied by Alex Theatre Company and Academy  This uniquely-spirited stage piece brings forth the lived experiences of South Africans during apartheid, which some of the presen

The first time I encountered the work of Musa ka Motha, a dancer from Sebokeng, South of Johannesburg, was when he was part of the internationally-renowned dance piece  CION - Requiem of Ravel's Bolero  by Gregory Maqoma at Joburg Theatre in February 2022. Motha was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in his left leg when he was about 10 years of age. This incident diminished his dream of playing soccer, but in the long run secured his space in the arts. The flare he added to CION was no doubt a showstopper. Whenever I think of this production, Motha always features in my mind because of his incredible talent.  Musa ka Motha dancer at Britain's Got Talent auditions.  On Saturday night of  the 27th May, Britain's Got Talent experienced a historic auditions show wherein Musa ka Motha (28) offered the most incredible, emotional, inspirational and brilliant audition the world has ever seen on Britain's stage, earning him the first ever Group Gold

When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting is a global exhibition which opened in November 2022 in Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and will run through the 3rd of September 2023 at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). It is a 'Primer For Blacks' and, suffice to say, everyone who cares about the humanity will enjoy the exhibition. In her poem titled Primer For Blacks, Gwendolyn Brooks - the first African American poet to win a Pulitzer Prize - asserts:  Blackness is a title; is a preoccupation is a commitment Blacks are to comprehend; — and in which you are to perceive your Glory. Zandile Tshabalala, Two Reclining Women, 2020. Acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of Zeitz MOCAA What do we see when we look at ourselves in the mirror? What do we see when we see ourselves in the paintings by people of our creed? Do we see ourselves mirrored in them? Do we feel seen or valued or cherished? These complex questions have answers residing in

 The five-time Grammy Award-winning acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo was  founded by the late Joseph Bhekizizwe Shabalala in 1959. He initially named it Ezimnyama (The Black Ones) and later christened it Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Ladysmith for his hometown, Black for the local black oxen that were the strongest in the area, and Mambazo, the Zulu word for axe, as a metaphor for the group’s sharpness. The band is still going strong 63 years after its formation. The band is the epitome of black excellence and proof that legacy and family tradition can  stand the test of time. When Shabalala senior retired in 2014, four of his sons: Thulani Shabalala, Thamsanqa Shabalala, Sibongiseni Shabalala, and Msizi Shabalala remained in the band alongside the oldest band veteran, Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko, who has been with the band since its inception. The other four members are Abednego Mazibuko, Sabelo Mthembu, Mfanafuthi Dlamini, and Pius Shezi. With their agile bodies and mesmerizing voices

April has been a fantastic month for the South African visual arts sector, with two significant events snagging my attention. The University of Johannesburg bestowed a well-deserved Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Design on one of the most accomplished sculptors, Dr. Noria Muelelwa Mabasa. Meanwhile, Senzeni Marasela, a visual artist who works across different media, combining performance, photography, video, prints and textiles, won the K2 Global Art Award in Germany. These two incredible women are the pride of the African contemporary art landscape. I admire and salute them for their dedication, commitment, and contributions to the visual arts sector. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to future generations of creative artists on the continent and around the world. World-renowned sculptor Dr Noria Muelelwa Mabasa 📷 From UJ Facebook  I must, however, voice my discontent about the manner in which Mme Mabasa’s accomplishment has been communicated in both mass medi