Description

A Civil Society Tribute Celebrating The Life & Legacy Of Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu - Archbishop Tutu was an internationalist whose impact on issues related to faith, politics and social change transcended the spiritual figure to inspire people from all walks of life, in particular artists and creative minds around the world. He achieved a level of recognition that attracted many to join his pursuit to unite people despite their differences; defend human rights and social justice issues. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes that prompted a range of civil society initiatives and artists coordinated by Palestine Festival SA and Afro Arts SA to collaborate in organising a civil society tribute to this fallen giant. Artists, creatives and cultural activists from South Africa, Brazil, Palestine, Italy, USA, Benin, Kenya, Ghana and elsewhere have come together to pay homage, expressing themselves in diverse genres, with tributes reflective of the progressive cultural tapestry. “The Arch for us,” the organisers said in a statement, “spoke truth to power in many different ways and there were no ‘no-go areas’ for him when it comes to resisting oppression and exploitation.” On Sunday 30th January 2022 at 7pm CAT | 7pm PST | 10am ET, a special tribute was livestreamed to reach audiences far and wide. The 90 minute livestreamed event reflected several creative genres, including music, song, dance, poetry, caricature, mural art, photography and videography, and cartoonists amongst others. South African artists on the line-up include satirist Pieter Dirk Uys, SA’s most loved puppet Chester Missing, comedian Marc Lottering, the songstress of the global hit song Jerusalema – Nomcebo Zikode, Bokani Dyer with Gauteng Choristers, jazz musicians McCoy Mrubata and Paul Hanmer, poets Mak Manaka, Busisiwe Mahlangu, Vus’umuzi Phakathi, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers accompanied by music from Ariel and Juana from Argentina, Neo Motsatse (violin) and Teboho Motsatse (keys), percussionist Tale Makhene, Concorde Nkabinde, Solidarity Express Quartet , Kamva Jazz String Quartet and many others. Leading South African cartoonists Zapiro and Nanda Sooben are joined by Brazilian Carlos Latuff and Palestine’s Mohamed Sabaaneh.