Exclusive Interview with an Icon of the Nation ... Jonas Gwangwa

"Amandla is able to educate current and future generations of how history informs the present, and how dedications and aspirations of ordinary South Africans made such a big difference to their own lives and in the world and why they should take up the mantle," says Dr Jonas Gwangwa.

 "Music is Life" - Dr Jonas Gwangwa

Jonas Gwangwa is a very humble man. He cares deeply about his family, indigenous music,  our country and the future sustainability of musicians and artists. It is indeed a great privilege to honour one of the greatest sons of Africa as icon and patron on the iStart2 Show this week. 

We also chat to his son, Malose and daughter-in-law, Simanga Gwangwa about Amandla Cultural Ensemble that is on show at the State Theatre this week. "This is an identity piece," says Malose. " Our plan is to do a national tour in 2016."

Keitu Gwangwa, his daughter is also very excited: "I am so proud of this legacy. And I am excited about how it will inspire people going forward. Having seen where we come from as a country. Amandla is a reminder on how we got here as a people and a strong note to say...let us not drop the fist. Mobilise! lets fight on!"

Listen to an exclusive interview with Dr Jonas Gwangwa on the iStart2 Show

Thought of the Day:

4 - 5 December

State Theatre

Never before has a theatrical production applied such heartrending artistry in telling the truths of our history, whilst soliciting support the world over for our country`s freedom. An unprecedented historical and emotional experience awaits the South African people, for the first time on home soil: Amandla Cultural Ensemble: The Production.
  Book your Amandla ticket here

Amandla - Cultural Ensemble ... Simanga Gwangwa

"It's been a lifelong ambition for Dr Jonas Gwangwa to put Amandla back on stage," says Simanga Gwangwa, who is responsible for marketing the production of Amandla. "Amandla can now be positioned as a premier nation building tool and a prime export into Africa and the World. We operate from a place of love with our people."

"This is a call for action for a new struggle, especially for the youth, to create a connection between the past, present and future. It's about ordinary people and what they believe in. We are a rainbow nation and Amandla is about unity and togetherness through art. We want to reconnect the youth." 

"I believe I can change the world" - Simanga Gwangwa

'
Amandla is a musical theatre production which was developed and produced by Dr Jonas Gwangwa in 1980 in Angola. The main objective of this musical was to conscientise and educate the world about South African culture and how apartheid was affecting the lives of South Africans. It is both exciting and essental for South Africans to engage with this rich theatrical opus today!

Amandla - Cultural Ensemble, The Production will be on stage at the State Theatre from 3 - 5 December 2015.

We chatted to Simanga Gwangwa in an exclusive interview giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in preparation of one of the most important theatrical events to hit the South African stage this year.

To listen to the show and some great music by Dr Jonas Gwangwa, just click play below:

Thought of the Day: 

Pierre du Toit and Keitu Gwangwa host the iStart2 Show on Thursdays at 17h30 (GMT+2). Radio Today broadcasts on 1485AM in Johannesburg and nationally on DSTV audio channel 869. Radio Today also streams on its website www.1485.org.za and on 1485.mobi.


Have a fantastic week!

Diphororo (Waterfall) - Jonas Gwangwa

"Music is life" - Dr Jonas Gwangwa on the iStart2 show (21 October 2013).

 Dr Jonas Gwangwa starts 2!

Dr Jonas Gwangwa was born in Orlando East in Soweto almost exactly 76 years ago. As a young man he electrified the famous Sophiatown music scene. He left the country in 1961  after touring with the musical KING KONG. He ventured to the United States to further his education at New York’s prestigious Manhattan School of Music and worked under the patronage of musical legend Harry Belafonte. Later Jonas joined forces with George Fenton to create the original score and theme song for the much heralded Richard Attenborough film, "Cry Freedom". The score achieved Oscar, Grammy Bafta, Golden Globe and Anthony Asquith award nominations and won Ivor Novello and Black Emmy Awards.

One of the many highlights of his career was performing at the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute concert in Wembley Stadium and to see Mr Mandela become the first President of a free South Africa. His lifework crystallised when he served as composer, arranger and musical director of "Amandla", the much acclaimed worldwide ANC cultural ensemble tour to which he devoted ten years of his life.

Jonas Gwangwa is a very humble man. He cares deeply about his family, indigenous music,  our country and the future sustainability of musicians and artists. It is indeed a great privilege to honour one of the greatest sons of Africa as an icon of the iStart2 Movement.

To listen to the interview with Dr Jonas Gwangwa and his songs Cry Freedom and Diphororo, just click play:



Thought for the day:
"In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift - a more human face" - Steve Biko

Tune in to the iStart2 Show on Radio Today 1485 AM in Jozi, Nationally on DSTV Audio Channel 869 or worldwide on www.1485.org.za.

The show is broadcast every Monday at 18h30 and repeated on Fridays in its new prime time slot at 19h00 (SA Time) or visit www.istart2.com.