Resonances of the Indian Ocean and Austral Africa

This project brings together guitar of Jozéfinn’ and chromatic marimba of Bongan SOTSHONONDA in a musical journey through jazz and the traditions of Réunion Island, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. Leader of their own respective projects, Jozéfinn’ and B. Sotshononda have are recognised in thei own country and beyond as nice composer, arranger and talented musician. In this new project, the repertoire will combine traditional music, jazz and world music, drawing on the rhythms, melodies and distinctive colours of these regions. The marimba will provide a warm, rich percussive sound, while the guitar will move between accompaniment, improvisation and jazz- inspired textures. The project aims to create a living dialogue between cultures, transforming traditional themes into material for improvisation and contemporary creation. Particular attention will be given to Réunion’s maloya and séga traditions, South African rhythms, and the musical crossings that have shaped the Indian Ocean. This creation (composition and arrangement) by the duet will feature as sidewoman the excellent Tshego Mfazi - Cello and sideman the talented Keketso Bolofo - percussion, to perform. A short, intimate and acoustic format, centred on the interaction between the two instruments, will create a music that is deeply rooted in tradition while remaining open, contemporary and inventive.