Images alone cannot suffice to summarize the series of incredible experiences I had during my first trip to Africa to share the Arcomusical berimbau repertoire and to study African musical bows. After an incredible week at the Bow Music Conference:
https://www.facebook.com/bowconference/?fref=photo
I spent another week traveling through Mozambique, Cape Town, and Durban to spend time with bow practitioners and to learn more about the various traditions of bow playing in each region. I will be bringing back some very funky instruments to the States in April!
I am very thankful to my new friends and musical brethren: Sazi Dlamini, Dizu Plaatjies, Luka Mukhavele, Mestre Cobra Mansa, Mama Bavikile, and many more who gave of themselves and their music during this time.
muito axé para todos!
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- Sazi Dlamini and Cobra Mansa improvising together.
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- Projeto Arcomusical BH in Africa!
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- Baba Bhemani Magagula and his umakhweyana, from Swaziland.
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- Mama Khokhiwe Mphila and her umakhweyana, from Swaziland.
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- Projeto Arcomusical BH and the Swazi musicians!
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- Brother Clement Sithole and me, UKZN Art Gallery, Durban, South Africa.
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- Brother Clement Sithole and his umakhweyana
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- Two incredibly funky xitende from Maputo, Mozambique.
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- Dizu Plaatjies and student, Ernie Koela, in an Xhosa uhadi lesson, University of Cape Town.
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- On top of Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa.
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- Mama Bavikile Ngema, the most incredible umakhweyana player I know, Durban, South Africa.
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- The wonderful and happy Projeto Arcomusical BH, Belo Horizonte, Brazil!
I was very encouraged to meet so many people, who are seriously involved with music bows. Lets keep it up!