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Meet me at the river, spirits of South Afreeca


A Film by Elsa Dahmani

 

This documentary film was shot at the Rio Loco Festival (Toulouse, France) in June 2010. The festival this year was dedicated to South Africa, and the film features live footage and interviews with legendary artists and rising stars, from Hugh Masekela to Thandiswa Mazwai and Tumi and the Volume. Enjoy the film!

 

As Hugh Masekela said “South Africa is probably the first and only country whose freedom was won partly through music”. This moving sentiment of rhythm and resistance could be felt throughout the Rio Loco Festival 2010. The 16th edition of this major annual celebration of music and culture in Toulouse was dedicated to South Africa, and it proved to be a thrilling tribute to the past, present and future of an amazing nation.

 

During five days and nights in June, over 30 concerts, 100,000 lucky audience members were immersed in the diverse sounds of several generations of artists. From legendary symbols of the anti-apartheid movement to discovering the voice of the young.

 

With the phenomenally energetic Mbaqanga of The Mahotella Queens, Johnny Clegg’s uplifting Zulu anthems, the ethereal jazz of Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela’s vital presence we traced a lineage graced with some of the world’s best loved artists. The next generation stepped up with statuesque Xhosa rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai, the stunning poetic hip hop of Tumi & The Volume and the multicultural, upbeat pop of Freshlyground, so emblematic of the new South Africa. We connected to the ancestors with The Dizu Plaatjies Ibuyambo Ensemble, whose spell-binding performance went to the heart of the traditional healing powers of music.

 

Curating unique presentations has always been central to Rio Loco’s programme and this year featured an inspiring collaboration between Johannesburg’s premier avant rock band Blk Jks with Mali’s new guitar hero Vieux Farka Touré - creating the future sound of Africa in the Prairie des Filtres. Umqombothi Kabar was the spectacular meeting of the South African community dance group, Via Katlehong, with Reunion’s Lindigo. Making links through history and across oceans, Maloya music and Pantsula footwork blazed together.

 

On the closing night of the festival, the tribute show to Miriam Makeba created a palpable surge of emotion on stage and in the audience that was a privilege to witness. This unforgettable show, bringing together an all-star line-up led by Hugh Masekela, was a natural festival highlight. As the moonlight danced on the waters of the Garonne, Zolani Mahola’s voice sparkled on the liquid notes and beautiful melody of Mama Africa’s ‘Meet Me At The River’. It was a moment of such powerful emotion – of lament and of joy – a fitting homage to an artist who had touched all of them and whose beloved memory they shared with us. The concert marked the end of a festival filled with generosity, heart and the most extraordinary talent. Thank you South Africa. Thank you Rio Loco.



Jody Gillett




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