Music Stage

May the arising polyrythmns of African Genius open us up to Union! Here, for the first time on record, after years underground in the vibrant backwater of Distrik Groot Marico, we proudly present the Batswana traditional music group Return of the Moon/ Bowa ka Ngwedi:

1. Zolo afta Zolo

2. Hanka Munka

3. Hela Amantombazane

4. Batswana

As showcased in the above demo videos, the Marico music group Return of the Moon has matured like a bottle of fine wine. From ragged young kids to robed young men, the spirit of this group – the passion, lifestyle and humour – shines bright in these sketches. A star of ancient bushveld sound, brought to you by the technology of digitalization. Oom Schalk’s ”wireless” meets Mosigo’s talking drum!

But Return of the Moon are just one dusty music outfit among many in Groot Marico. Close friends of the H.C. Bosman Literary Society and Living Museum can attest to years of acoustic music serenades by various sound-journeymen and women, including spellbinding performances by The H.C. Bosman Marimba Band. Want to find out how deep the rabbit hole goes?

Grant of Marico once told me that the sound-images summoned by overlapping rhythms are called heterodynes. They appear like unto snowflakes in the imagination, disclosing vistas, dreams or inspiration. Following them where they lead, we enter a joyous present-moment surrender through music-making.

Music is most ancient, as echoed by rock gongs of the Karoo. Yet contemporary too, like grooving to J.S. Bach on the radioo. Music echoes and evidences the underlying rhythms of life, the collective momentary heartbeats pulsating across the universe. Life, being a vibration, is inherently musical!

I learned to play Indian Tabla in Rondebosch East. In Bopedi I swayed to the big drums which accompanied the Apostolic High Priest. In Marico I tranced outside Many Hands Shop on Zim drums; when I opened my eyes I was surrounded by jamming kids. We rose as Return of the Moon, lit the sunset concerts of the Bosman Museum with hands and hearts. The very skies our sounds seemed to kiss. I watched those boys grow into young men, singing the proud anthems of their Batswana culture.