MIAF opens African instruments exhibition in Johannesburg

Titled VIBRATIONS, the landmark exhibition will run until 14 March 2025. Featuring over 100 African musical instruments drawn from across the continent, the exhibition showcases the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of Africa’s diverse musical traditions. It is curated by prolific instrument maker and activist Mpho Molikeng.

“The VIBRATIONS project is a vital step towards preserving and professionalising the art of instrument-making in Africa,” says MIAF Executive Director Eddie Hatitye. “By showcasing our instruments, we not only honour the artisans who have preserved these instruments and skills for generations but also create an opportunity for people to learn and appreciate the deep cultural significance of African instruments,” he continues.

"UJ Arts & Culture shares the Music In Africa Foundation’s sentiments that indigenous African instruments are the heartbeat of the African cultural identity, echoing the stories, histories, and wisdom of its ancestors. It is our responsibility, as custodians of this rich heritage, to not only preserve these instruments but to actively showcase and support their development. By doing so, we ensure that future generations can continue to connect with the sounds that have shaped our people for centuries, fostering pride, unity, and a deeper understanding of our diverse African roots," says Pieter Jacobs, Head of Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg.

The exhibition is part of MIAF’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) Project, which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating African musical traditions. In addition to the exhibition, MIAF has released a catalogue titled VIBRATIONS: A Celebration of African Instruments. The publication highlights the diversity of traditional African instruments, combining expert insights and photographs from the exhibition.

How to access the exhibition

Anyone can access the exhibition free of charge between the following hours:

Gallery hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 16:00

Closed weekends and public holidays

Location: APK Campus, Corner of Kingsway Ave/University Rd, Auckland Park

The IBR project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), with additional support from Afrikayna through the VITA - Instrumenthèque d’Afrique project, as well as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, University of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill’s Creative Uprising Hub.