Ponte-Maputo Durban project

ByJose Zanlia JosePosted on

Matchume from Maputo and Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane from Durban plan to explore new musical horizons
In association with connect.hubs, Nzango Artist Residency and iSupport Creative Business present the Ponte-Maputo Durban project, a unique exchange project between two musicians and a photographer that will be taking place throughout the month of June. The two musicians: multi-instrumentalist Matchume and pianist Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane will be spending a week in the Nzango Artist Residency in Maputo where they will be composing new works. Audiences in Mozambique can experience the outcome of this exchange through live performances on 20 June at Teatro Avenida in Maputo and 21 June at Bela Vida in Matola. Durban audiences can enjoy their new compositions on 28 June at Alliance Francaise de Durban, on 29 June at Seaman’s Corner in Hammarsdale and The Chairman in Durban and on 30 June at Artizen Lounge in KwaMashu.
In both cities the muscicians, who each can count on an extensive teaching experience, will hold a masterclass.  The whole process will be documented by photographer Simanga Zondo.
Bringing together pianist Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane and multi-instrumentalist Matchume Zango, not only means bringing together two talented musicians and academics. Interesting is, that both of them are characterised by the importance of cultural experience in their musical compositions; Mashiloane by working on an authentic South African Jazz influenced sound and Matchume by recreating traditional Chopi music from Mozambique in a more contemporary and accessible way.  The project aims to be a catalyst to build bridges between the two cities Maputo and Durban and related cultures, that will also encourage future collaboration beyond this project.

“It is needed for creatives in these two cities to get to know each other and create interaction between them as it will expand market access for creatives and at the same time enrich and diversify the cultural offer in both cities.” Says Marlyn Ntsele from iSupport Creative Business.