The inter-generational cultural exchange dialogue has become a well settled concept in the popular, creative world and yet, the results are yet to show proof of a realized understanding. Besides our love for talking about this understanding of such and other positive ideals, we survive by sounding cool and turning around and living as if that’s enough. Unfortunately, coolness has a random expiry date.
We now know that without action, there can be no revolution, nothing changes. Well, all accept where EAV is concerned. The value of self-knowledge is critical to our principles – which are rooted in the restoration of dignity, self-awareness, & prosperity. These ideals cannot be reached with an understanding of how we’ve come to be. That we will find in listening to and studying great teachers like uBabu Bra Khaya Mahlangu – a national treasure in music.
The role uBab Khaya has and is playing in the South African & greater global, major & independent music scenes is a combination of phenomenal, humble, generous and highly developmental one. It is one of an unfathomable magnitude. Whether it be through gifts of the household South African jazz classics, teaching young musicians to play, make a living and even go on to becoming superstars of the live music scenes, ubaba has given a fair share of his life in support of others. Myself and many friends included. All with a humble and joyful spirit. A true father in our jazz spheres.
HE is why we as EAV can speak a different conversation when it comes to inter-generational engagement. We speak from a place of using what we have to do what we can – in the knowledge that it is what we do, and not what we think that stands out. Here is our father giving himself to a moment in history, where all he stands to gain is the ears of the present audience. However, what is more evident in his poise is that he is happy doing just this. This a factor we hold in high regard.
Check him out here in a tape made at Native Rebel with the Peanut Butter & Jam Band – a movement that was first to be documented by EAV –playing the famous “Yakhal Inkomoi by Winston Mankunku. This is a documentation of an inter-generational, instrumental and sonic dialogue between a father and his sons. There are great lessons here.
One Love
Dumisani Radebe.
ENJOY THE VIDEO HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNHQuGUagew
