For the past 7 years, espAfrika, as part of its social-development programme and commitment to develop the South African music industry, has been running a series of exceptional workshops and programmes - absolutely free. These include Schools Music Workshops, Music Masterclasses, an Arts Journalism Course, a presentation on the Business of Music and Gigs For Kids.
This year's programme features The Magic Water, an on-stage adaptation of an ancient African folk tale that allows children to explore the magical world of music and learn a lifelong lesson in morality in a fun and educational way at the same time. The story has been adapted for theatre by Heather Mac, Peter Susman and Bridget McCarthy.
Another highlight is The Jazz Playground Dance-off presented by Putumayo Kids. The MC, Shado Twala, will engage with the kids and invite them to get up and dance to a couple of tracks off Putumayo's new CD release, “Jazz Playground”. The kids will be encouraged to let loose with their best shimmies, shakes and grooves. Prizes will be awarded to “best boy”, “best girl” and “most expressive” dancer.
The programme also includes a quiz with the audience with lovely prizes to be won, and The Music Workshop - children engaging in vocal and rhythmical improvisation with two actors and two musicians
This two-and-a-half-hour programme is being held on Saturday, 27 March, 2010, at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, starting at 9.30am. Entrance is free and open to the public.
