The Institute of Contemporary Art is pleased to present a screening of Shwabada: The Music of Ndikho Xaba, followed by a discussion with the film’s director, Nhlanhla Masondo, along with AACM members George Lewis and Douglas Ewart, as well as Carol Muller, a Professor of Music at the University of Pennsylvania who has published widely on South African music. This performance is presented as part of the ongoing exhibition Endless Shout, which asks how, why, and where performance and improvisation can take place inside the museum.
This event will be held at International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, and is free and open to the public. Register here.
Shwabada: The Music of Ndikho Xaba is an inquiry into the music of composer, multi-instrumentalist and political activist Ndikho Xaba, a musical ode to a man “whom ‘jazz’ is much too small to define.” A multi-instrumentalist, music historian and philosopher, Xaba has led an extraordinary life dedicated to music and Africa. The documentary, directed by Nhlanhla Masondo, includes rare archival footage of his early performances and accolades from some of South Africa’s greatest musical icons, using the structure of Xaba’s long sought-after 1970 album Shwabada to tell his fascinating but little-known story. From his roots playing an organ at home to international stages, some shared with Sun Ra, he has created music described as spiritual, eclectic and groundbreaking. His first public performance in 1960 in Mkhumbane, the musical written by Alan Paton and Todd Matshikiza, set in motion events that culminated in his exile in the USA, where he led the eclectic and pioneering band Ndhiko Xaba & The Natives. His time in Chicago and his subsequent return to South Africa render precious insights into the history of the country’s performing arts. Shwabada navigates the world of theatre and music to arrive at an intimate portrait of an African artist.The screening will be followed by a discussion featuring Nhlanhla Masondo, joined by Carol Muller and longtime AACM members George Lewis and Douglas Ewart, both of whom have collaborated with Xaba.
Trombonist, composer and pioneer of electronic and computer music George E. Lewis has been a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) since 1971 and went on to become the influential organization’s chronicler with his widely acclaimed book, A Power Stronger Than Itself: The AACM and American Experimental Music.
Best known as a composer, improviser, sculptor and maker of masks and instruments, Douglas R. Ewart is also an educator, lecturer, arts organization consultant and all around visionary.
