Project launch

November 21, 2023

Time to read: 3 minutes

November 21, 2023

Team members and community participants of “Sounding Indigenous in South Africa” met for the first time in November 2023 at the International Library of African Music in Makhanda, Eastern Cape for a ceremonial start to the project. Present at the meeting were Dr. Sharon Gabie of Nelson Mandela University, Dr. Lee Watkins and Dr. Elijah Madiba of Rhodes University’s International Library of African Music (ILAM); Mr. James Mapanka of the South African Nama Development Association (SANDEVA) and his colleagues Sarah Titties, Leonard Gewers, Abraham Katimba, and Laurencuis Veldskoen; and Merran Roy of the Intlantsi Creative Development Project. Dr. Lyndsey Copeland of Carleton University attended virtually. Following a project planning meeting and visit to ILAM’s music archives, the Reimevasmaak-based artists Gewers, Katimba, and Veldskoen performed a public concert of Nama riel dance and songs.

Read more about the project’s launch here: https://carleton.ca/africanstudies/2024/sounding-indigenous-in-south-africa/

https://www.ru.ac.za/ilam/latestnews/soundingindigenousinsouthafrica.html

Image of Abraham Katimba, Wilard Veldskoen, James Mapanka, Lee Watkins, Sarah Titties, and Boetles Gewers standing together. — From left to right: Abraham Katimba, Wilard Veldskoen, James Mapanka, Lee Watkins, Sarah Titties, and Boetles Gewers.

Image of Lee Watkins, Sharon Gabie, James Mapanka, Wilard Veldskoen, Abraham Katimba, Merren Roy, and Lyndsey Copeland. — From left to right: Lee Watkins, Sharon Gabie, James Mapanka, Wilard Veldskoen, Abraham Katimba, Merren Roy, Lyndsey Copeland.

James Mapanka and Wilard Veldskoen sitting & speaking as part of the roundtable. — James Mapanka and Wilard Veldskoen participate in the roundtable.

Lee Watkins and Boetles talking to each other before the musical performance. — Lee Watkins and Boetles Gewers talk before the musical performance.

Boetles Gewers performing Nama music. — Boetles Gewers performs Nama music from Riemvasmaak, NC.

Image of Boetles Gewers, Merren Roy, Sarah Titties, Abraham Katimba, and Lee Wakins standing together. — From left to right: Boetles Gewers, Merren Roy, Sarah Titties, Abraham Katimba, and Lee Watkins.