DURBAN - About 50 pupils from different schools attended a workshop aimed at reviving interest in African indigenous musical instruments, presented by Insila Yembeleko.
The workshop, which aspired to influence residents to use African instruments, and teach people about them, was held at The Bat Centre in Durban on Friday.
The pupils, some dressed in traditional attire and others in uniform, were taught about the history and origin of the instruments, which among others included UDloko, UMzaneno, UMqangala and UMpongoloza.
Multi-instrumentalist and creator of African indigenous music, Victor Sithole of Insila Yembeleko, said the aim was to ensure that young people were aware of the instruments so they do not become extinct.
Sithole said national belonging could continue to exist if the instruments were introduced to young people so they grew up knowing about them.
“I have taken it upon myself to visit places including schools, teaching them about these instruments. We are getting old and could die at any time. It would be best that when that time comes … I have left a mark on our history that would benefit the future.
“We want pupils and every young person to be introduced to these different kinds of instruments to know their history, the role they played back in the day, and how important they could be in these modern times,” he said.
He said he was grateful to realise that some higher education institutions offered modules that included material on such instruments, adding that it would be beneficial if they could be included from the foundation phase.
“This gives me hope that they would not die. Today, I am happy to see young people so thrilled and amazed by the instruments. I saw that most of them liked them and were interested in learning about them.
“The pupils came with teachers who also get to learn. I hope they will also continue teaching them about these instruments as it’s easier for them to plant (this information) in pupils' minds as builders of the future,” said Sithole.
He said he was grateful to the department of education for ensuring that pupils attended his workshops. He added that they were involved in discussions to find ways for the instruments to be included in pupils' lessons.
Lethumusa Mathosi from Bonisanani Primary in Ntuzuma G section, said he hoped that the visit will help the youth find ways to include the instruments in today’s music.
“We are honestly grateful to realise that there are still people who want to instil the importance of culture in children. We are aware that African original things such as culture, music, and more are becoming extinct and more people are becoming too Westernised. I am happy that these instruments are not only for a certain tribe but for Africa as a whole. They are also deep in history. We are hopeful that as these lessons begin the pupils will grow with these instruments and somehow include them in the music … to keep them relevant in today’s music,” said Mathosi.
Khanyisile Sibisi of Khanyisani Primary in Mpolweni Mission, Pietermaritzburg, said: “Our pupils are familiar with some of the instruments from the books but they had never seen them, heard their sounds or how they are played. This is a one-time opportunity that they would forever cherish and share with others. We are looking forward to Mr Sithole’s visits where they will get a chance to hold them and learn to play them.”
Msawenkosi Mtolo, from Vryville Senior Primary school, said: “I have always emphasised the importance of culture and origin to the pupils. I believe that such workshops are the beginning of a foundation for life improvement and learning,” he said.
Daily News