Billy Monama is staging a revival of memory

Billy Monama, the founder and curator of 'The Rebirth of Ubuntu' concert, is preparing for its fifth iteration, scheduled for May 29 and 30 at the Joburg Theatre. This event is more than just a musical performance; it's a deliberate effort to reclaim and celebrate the profound role music once played in South African society – as a vehicle for liberation, unity, and social progress.

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Nelson Mandela on the power of music to elevate and liberate, to unite people in a shared voice.

Monama draws a stark contrast between the past, where musicians were societal role models and their songs advanced the nation, and the present culture, which he describes as overly focused on spectacle, excess, and the performance of success. He laments that concerts have become events where the lingering memory is often about the champagne and lifestyle, rather than the music's message. 'The Rebirth of Ubuntu' is designed as a conscious counter-narrative to this trend, aiming to foster a sense of collective gathering and reflection, akin to a thanksgiving rather than mere entertainment.

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The Rebirth of Ubuntu is about memory.

This year's concert, themed '50 Years of Youth Legacy,' is deeply rooted in South Africa's history of struggle and resistance. Monama emphasizes the sacrifices made by past generations, such as the youth of 1976 and the women of 1955, whose actions paved the way for the present. The performance will journey through time, starting with early composers and moving towards contemporary artists, integrating archival imagery from renowned photographers like Sam Nzima and Peter Magubane. Songs will be contextualized within the broader narrative of resistance, expression, and identity.

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I grew up in a society where I saw musicians being role models, being the mouthpiece of the society. The songs they wrote advanced society. They gave hope to the people of South Africa.

Monama intends for 'The Rebirth of Ubuntu' to be an immersive experience that demands both attention and reflection from the audience. He describes the show as a journey that will evoke strong emotions, even advising attendees to 'bring a handkerchief.' The concert acknowledges the shift that occurred post-democracy, where the language of struggle gave way to more celebratory themes like Kwaito music. By anchoring the performance in historical legacy, Monama seeks to remind audiences of the power of music to not only entertain but also to educate, inspire, and preserve the memory of pivotal moments in the nation's history.

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What is the role of musicians for us now?