Cue Online (Grahamstown)
Remy Raitt
14 July 2009
“The marimba is too important, without it there is something missing. It brings a phenomena to the music; the sound is a special one, an African one,” says Edward Mathala from Steel Drums and Bass.
“If you appreciate art you will definitely appreciate the sound of the marimba and its musical effect,” says Steel Drums and Bass manager Lerato Manageng. “The marimba comes in four sets and plays anything a piano can. The bass marimba has an extraordinary effect, you hear it in your heart, it beats right into your heart.”
But the cheerful beat of these instruments is often taken for granted. “Marimba music is not well recognised because it lacks exposure by the media,” says Bongani Sotshononda, director of Marimba Extravaganza. “Ninety percent of the music on the radio is from America – there is less and less African and indigenous music being played.”
While local audiences may not be continuously lapping up the Afro-centric sounds, during Festival things certainly seem to change. “The marimba always gets a positive response at the Festival; we are obviously doing something right and the marimba defiantly has something to do with that. Our audiences respond very well to it – we always get a standing ovation,” says Manageng.
Despite attracting full houses, performance after performance, year after year, both Marimba Extravaganza and Steel Drums and Bass are still on the Fringe. The musicians in both productions are confused as to why this should be the case and hope that, in years to come, organisers will recognise the creative talent they possess and outstanding audience responses they receive.
“Although the musicians on the street are good, we take it to the next level, fusing all genres of music from jazz to classical to indigenous. The street performers generally only play indigenous music,” says Manageng.
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