CAFCA Music School

Spearheaded by Jesse Mogale, the wonderful CAFCA Music School was established by professional musicians and music teachers to offer Mamelodi (Pretoria's largest township) youth the opportunity to explore music and gain experience through consistent, structured music instruction.  We were delighted by the young people, whose achievement is a testament to their dedicated teachers.

Workshoppin'

May 19, our last day in Johannesburg, was spent doing workshops with university music students at Pretoria's Tshwane University, and then with youth at the CAFCA Music School in Mamelodi (Pretoria's largest township).  It is difficult to witness extreme disparity in access to resources and instruments, but it is very inspiring to see hope, joy, and musical gifts shining through undiminished.

Tshwane University students perform...

Workin' out the groove...

Post-workshop shot with Tshwane University piano students!

More at the Music Academy of Gauteng

Performing for the students...

Jam on!

Music Academy of Gauteng

The charismatic Johnny Mekoa and his indefatigable staff at the Music Academy of Gauteng hosted us today (May 18) for a workshop, private instruction w/the students, and closing jam session. In the video they're playing a S.African standard called "Tshwane".

 

The Bassline Club

Perhaps Joburg's most storied music club, we had a great time performing the weekend of May 15-16 at the Bassline!  Salim Washington and his great band of S. African musicians opened the show for us, and afterwards we got to hang out with some students from Mamelodi's CAFCA Music School.  We look forward to our workshop with them on Tues May 19!

Johannesburg

Storied Johannesburg!  We're staying in a fun hotel in the Rosebank neighborhood.  Here are sights & sounds from the Sunday, May 17, African Crafts Market at the nearby Rosebank mall.

  

Onward to South Africa

It's hard to believe we've reached the last leg of our Rhythm Road tour.  South Africa here we come! Here's an aerial shot of the Kalahari Desert en route...