Top local and international artists will take to the stage at “WOMAD (World of Music, Arts & Dance) SA Presents: The Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity Concert.”
The musical showcase, which will feature the likes of Hubert Laws and PJ Powers, seeks to honour the legacy of the late South African Nobel Prize-winning recipient, Anglican bishop and theologian, who is renowned for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist.
Meanwhile, the event, which will be a global celebration of Ubuntu through music and dance, will also celebrate the nation’s rich heritage.
They will be held at the Mother City’s St George’s Cathedral on Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4.
There will be free concerts at the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6. The proceeds from the paid concerts, which start at 7pm, will be donated to the Tutu Foundation.
“This must-attend event will bring together world-class artists, both local and international, in a powerful display of unity, culture and shared humanity,” a statement read.
“The concert embodies Tutu’s vision of a world connected through peace, love and mutual respect, living out his legacy through the universal language of music.”
The first concert will feature the US’s Laws as well as Cape Town’s Ramon Alexander and Amanda Tiffin, who will be accompanied by the UCT Orchestra under the conductorship of Brandon Phillips.
Laws is a world-renowned flautist who is celebrated for his groundbreaking fusion of jazz, classical and pop music.
He has won three Grammy Awards and has been nominated multiple times, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished musicians of our time. His collaborations with legends like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder have showcased his exceptional talent.
Tickets for this concert cost R320 and are available through Quicket.
The second concert, which will pay homage to Tutu as well as the 40th anniversary of him receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and his contribution to 30 years of South Africa’s Democracy, will see over 14 extraordinary acts taking to the stage.
They include Arno Carstens, Zolani Mahola, Powers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
They will be joined by Hilton Schilder and Shaheema Lakay, Joep Pelt from the Netherlands, Canada’s Iskwew Singers, Francesca Biancoli from Italy, Brazil’s Livia and Fred as well as Soweto Soul, Nhoza Sitsholwana and Andre Kriel, Christof van der Berg featuring Nhoza and Zine, DSK Senior Band and The St George’s Cathedral Choir.
“This unforgettable event, hosted by the hilarious Nik Rabinowitz, celebrates the very fabric of South African heritage, showcasing the diverse talents that weave together our nation’s cultural tapestry,” the statement added.
Tickets for the second concert cost R250 and are also available through Quicket.
In addition to the two paid concert experiences, WOMAD SA is offering a host of free public concerts and workshops, creating an inclusive space for the wider community to engage with this celebration of unity.
There will also be music workshops held in Masiphumelele and Langa on Saturday, October 5.
“From intimate musical performances to interactive workshops, these free events provide a rich opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the spirit of WOMAD and the cultural diversity that defines our world.”
Ahead of the concerts, the "A Tree Has Fallen: Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu" film will be shown at the Time Out Studio at V&A Waterfront on Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm.
More features on the WOMAD Cape Town programme include "A Taste of Brazil with Livia & Fred” at the Social & Athletic Club on Thursday, October 3, at 7.30pm.
WOMAD is also collaborating with the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees in staging a special concert on October 2, called “Sonography: Stories in Roots and Blues.”
The production promises to be an exploration in sound and music of storytelling and questioning as artists will tell stories prompted by instruments and the memories they invoke. Tickets are available through Quicket.
Following these events, WOMAD will travel to Johannesburg from October 9 to 13.
The organisation was launched in 1982 by Peter Gabriel and has successfully brought the ethos, sights, global sounds and rhythms to 32 countries around the world to an audience of millions.
“WOMAD has a long and pedigreed history of taking exquisite world music around the world and putting on incredible shows and I have no doubt that the historic St George’s Cathedral will be the perfect setting for concerts of this stature,” Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis said.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Janet Jobson, added that the Foundation is excited by the partnership.
“The Desmond Tutu United 4 Humanity concert is a fitting tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu on what would have been his birthday weekend.”
“The Foundation is committed to extending the Arch’s wisdom, example, courage and joy to generations to come and platforms like this help us to reach people with this unique combination of qualities.”
For the full WOMAD series of activities, visit: www.womadsa.co.za.