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About this talk

A hour-long programme of South African Township Music. South African township music is a collective term for the vibrant genres created by Black communities in the racially segregated urban areas of the 20th century. Rooted in the struggles and daily realities of apartheid, it weaves traditional African vocal harmonies and rhythms together with the influences of Western jazz, swing, pop and R&B. More than a source of danceable rhythms and collective joy, township music became a vital instrument of survival and political resistance, uniting diverse communities and giving a powerful voice to the cultural identity of South Africa. Luyanda and Prudence Jezile will perform an hour-long programme of South African township music in celebration of Black History Month. They are South African singers and founding members of Imbube UK. Luyanda is a singer, musical director and choir leader, and an original cast member of The Lion King at London's Lyceum Theatre (1999–2008). He has performed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and alongside Hugh Masekela and the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican. Prudence, who performs as LadyPruu, first made her name as a winner of South Africa's Shell Road to Fame. She has appeared in Mandela: The New Musical at the Young Vic and also sings with the London African Gospel Choir.

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