Cultural Evening of Poetry and Music to connect with the Palestinian people in an act of solidarity

The African Women Writers Network in partnership with the Palestine Festival SA (Palfest SA) will host a cultural evening to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This solidarity event takes place amidst a war that has resulted in Gaza becoming “a graveyard for thousands of children,” as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently decried. The organisation added, “it is a living hell for everyone else. And yet the threats to children go beyond bombs and mortars.”

The Cultural Evening of Poetry and Music seeks to connect with the Palestinian people and its artists in an act of solidarity. Palestinian musician Bashar Murad captures the need for music and culture in his song Ya Lel, I’ll write songs to heal myself, and the moon will talk with me from my window.

The South African programme will feature poetry, talks and music. The center piece of the evening will be leading jazz vocalist and trombone player Siya Makuzeni, accompanied by Themby Khumalo on vocals and a talented jazz quartet featuring Muhammad Dawjee (saxophone), Tshegofatso Teffo (guitar), Simz Tshabalala (drums) and Wally Ngoveni (bass). Hosted by comedian and medical doctor Suhayl Essa, the evening will also include a special talk by Professor Salim Vally (University of Johannesburg), and poets Dshamilja Roshani and Vuyelwa Maluleka.

Details for the Event:

A Cultural Evening of Poetry and Music: United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

  • Date: Wednesday 29th Nov 2023
  • Time: 6 to 8.30 pm
  • Venue: Photo Workshop Auditorium, Market Square, opposite the Market Theatre, Newtown
  • Address: 138 Lillian Ngoyi St (old Bree St), Newtown, Johannesburg
  • RSVP: Please email to afroartsurban@gmail.com
  • Entrance: FREE. Donations of +R100 upwards are welcomed, towards a bursary fund for an arts student in Palestine
  • Live Streaming: websites www.awwn.co.za and www.afroarts.co.za, Facebook Page African Women Writers Network