SA: Ikati Esengxoweni to contextualise post-COVID art scene at 30 April gig

The gig is set for the Sky Deck venue on Johannesburg’s gold mine Salisbury Claims. The Afrofuturistic band’s name directly translates to ‘cat in the bag’, a Xhosa saying used to express surprise. Its musical vision is to provide listeners with solace and comfort during trying times.

Anam Manyati does the lead vocals and guitarwork, while Lark Wantu handles backing vocals and percussion. Inspired by the universal pain and suffering of the crisis, the concert, Lark Wantu says, will give a forward-looking interpretation of the art scene through live music, visual arts and contemporary dance.

“Our creative storytelling style will take the audience on a self-introspective journey of discovery”, she says. The event signals a rebirth of sorts, which is a reoccurring theme with this group. The series was rebranded from its former name The Village Sessions, and was conceptually revamped since the duo’s recent move from Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg to expand its footprint in South Africa.

Lark Wantu says the group has a bigger fanbase in Europe and other parts of the world than here at home. The two first performed together at Primavera Pro in 2016 when the band was formed. Since then, they’ve played many stages including Afropunk and other international festivals in Spain and France.

Many musicians have attempted to redefine the art scene in the context of the pandemic, but what sets the experimental group apart is its raw and untampered sound coupled with an honest display of vulnerability, which all make for an enthralling performance.

The two sing about pressing social issues and the challenges of everyday life, while incorporating impressive visuals and dance in their act. Steeped in African traditions, they deliver messages in languages such as Bemba, Swahili and Xhosa. Their compositions are layered with diverse sounds that do not belong to one genre alone, yet are influenced by many including rock, house and electronica. All these influences paint vivid pictures and give concertgoers a unique live music experience.

“We try by all means to stand in our truth by preserving our streetwear, artistry and heritage. As creatives, who are unapologetic with their craft, we are inspired by the art of life. Humans travel through life day by day, in the pursuit of reaching their full potential and soaring. We believe that one truly lives only if they stay true to their purpose. Stories of everyday people, the hunger, the energies that surrounds us.”

Apart from celebrating artists safely re-entering the live music scene, another exciting fact is that the concert will serve as the duo’s preparation tour ahead of its debut album release sometime in July. As a group focused on live performances, Ikati Esengxoweni has only two commercially released songs, although Lark Wantu claims they own a massive library of music. Their debut single ‘Ting Ting’ has scored film features, and their latest release ‘The Cradle of Humankind’, which has received airplay on a number of South African radio stations, is a retrospective sonic time capsule that tries to imagine the future.

For the Virtual State of Art gig, the duo will share the stage with Sliq Angel, Malcolm Jiyane and fast-rising hip hop/soul artist T’mo Kangkane. The four-hour show will also feature choreography by the Soweto Moves Projects and a surprise visual presentation.

The gig is supported by Concerts SA, the Norwegian Embassy, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation and IKS Cultural Consulting.

The performance will start at 3pm. Purchase tickets here.

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