The International Heritage Festival is coming to Joburg

Posted on 4 February 2022

From Paris to New York, Montréal to Vancouver, Johannesburg to Los Angeles, the Paris New York Heritage Festival is an international festival, a journey to the heart of Africa and the African Diaspora’s art and music, and it will soon be landing in Joburg for the second time.

Shamrock Guitor

The cultural expressions of African and diasporic communities share a common foundation, a fight for the recognition of their humanity, and the importance of acknowledging their role in its history. In 2022, the festival explores Humanity’s future under the theme of Human[U]nity: after the global pandemic hit during the peak of climate discussions all around the globe, Humanity must now figure out how to survive, together, as one!

Concerts, Collaborations and Local Market! (5 March 2022 – 4pm to 12pm )

A unique line-up, featuring acclaimed artists from USA, France and Southern Africa coming together for the first time on stage : The Brother Moves On (SA), “Freedom Songs Project’’ Feat. Msaki (SA), Gontse Makhene (SA) , Malcolm Jiyane (SA), Bholoja (SZ), students from the ‘Morris Isaacson Center for Music’. It will also be the first appearance of Raashan Ahmad (USA) in South Africa, who has worked with Blackalicious, Jurassic 5, (The Roots), Aloe Blacc, Nicola Conte, Djeuhdjoah and Lieutenant Nicholson (FR) with Cool Affair (SA) and a DJ Line-up: NickyB (Kaya959), 2lani the Warrior, Shamrock Guitor

The Locrate Market – Soweto’s famous market will present 15 stalls with delicious food and local arts and crafts for a day of fun and culture ( https://locrate.co.za/ )

Conversations and discussions (4 March 2022)

‘We have now, more than ever, the responsibility to build today for a better tomorrow!’

A series of conversations and exchanges exploring the theme of Human[U]nity. Open to the public and facilitated by Nicky Blumenfeld (Kaya959), guest speakers will include Benjamin Levy [Festival Director, promoter, educator], Azah (master percussionist and music therapist) and others.

What is the “The Freedom Songs Project”?

In South Africa, struggle songs have played a major political role and Hugh Masekela once described the country’s journey to liberation as a ‘musical revolution’. Since the Covid pandemic, artists are once again using their voices to express the sentiments of the people and/or encourage hope, resilience and healing.

Gontse Makhene

The Freedom Songs Project is an interactive live collaborative performance, curated specifically for the festival, making a musical ‘moment in history’ and igniting a way forward! During this history-making event, artists will honour the South-African ‘musical revolution’ tradition.

‘The Brother Moves On’ an eclectic, barrier-breaking musical art ensemble from Johannesburg, will perform as the backdrop for guest appearances from acclaimed artists. These guests include the powerful, poignant, South African singer-songwriter from the Eastern Cape, Msaki, as well as Swaziland’s Bholoja and his evocative voice and soulful folk guitar playing. Also joining the project are South African master percussionist and composer Gontse Makhene, and 16 students from Soweto’s iconic institution, the ‘Morris Isaacson Center for Music’.

The Brother Moves On

Musically directed by Siyabonga Mthembu and Mthunzi Mvubu this performance will feature: The Brother Moves On (SA), Msaki (SA), Raashan Ahmad (USA), Gontse Makhene (SA), Malcolm Jiyane (SA), Bholoja (SZ), students from the ‘Morris Isaacson Centre for Music and many others.

Who are the internationals artists?

Raashan Ahmad (USA) DJ, rapper and collaborator that crosses borders and boundaries by fusing elements of hip hop, soul, jazz, world music, funk, and different artistic mediums. Considered one of the most “evolving, exciting and collaborative vocalists” nowadays, he has already toured across North America, Europe, Japan and Australia, and has done collaborations with Wax Tailor, Blackalicious, Jurassic 5, Aloe Blacc, Keziah Jones, Stro Elliot (The Roots), Fred Wesley (The J.B’s) and Nicola Conte amongst others.

We will also welcome the return of the Paris-based dynamic duo Djeuh Djoah & Lieutenant Nicholson, who will present their new album and extend the collaboration they started in 2019 with Cool Affair, SA’s ‘Prince of Nu-Jazz and breakbeats’ – this time performing together live!

Click here for tickets or for the event page.

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