The City’s Arts, Culture, and Heritage Directorate in partnership with Soweto Theatre, presents a commemorative dialogue and musical concert titled “Embo: Remembering and Re-membering Our Essence”. Taking place on Sunday, 25 June at 6pm, the programme aims to use music and conversations as tools for reflecting on the significance of June 16 in South Africa.

“Each year, South Africa turns its focus to Soweto in the month of June, acknowledging the historic moment of June 16, 1976. This year, all citizens, both young and old, from various parts of Johannesburg will unite in Soweto to pay homage to the brave youths who fought for their rights during the apartheid era,” says Vincent Motau, General Manager of Soweto Theatre.

Recognising the pivotal role music played in the June 16 uprising, it is fitting to employ it as a powerful instrument for reflection, honouring the selflessness and sacrifices of the 1976 generation, Motau adds.

The programme will feature an intergenerational dialogue between young people and Mme Antoinette Sithole, sister of the late Zolile Hector Pieterson, who provides an authentic firsthand account of the events that unfolded during the protests.

“Embo,” meaning “return to our essence,” will showcase several artists inspired by South Africa’s cultural heritage, using music to bring audiences closer to their African roots.

The event lineup includes Volley Nchabeleng, a talented multi-instrumentalist and composer whose music draws from the cultural wealth of the African continent.

Also performing is Banned from the Land, a dynamic two-piece band consisting of Amandla Akhona and Xhanti Nokwali who harness the rich South African cultural heritage to create musical experiences that reconnect us with our essence.

Vuyisile Mshudulu, Director of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in the City, says the dialogue aims to stimulate critical discourse among the youth on matters essential for driving positive change in the country.

“We have to nudge young people towards meaningful conversations rather than the mind-numbing content that we often witness in popular discourse. The City is committed to creating a platform for critical engagement on matters that are and those that should be prominent in national discourse, and our museums are well poised as centres for critical discourse in this regard,” Mshudulu says.

Motau expresses excitement about the event, noting that as one of the most esteemed performing spaces in Soweto, the theatre on Bolani Road in Jabulani is thrilled to play a significant role through Embo, both in remembering the country’s origins and creating a space where local youngsters and those from across the country can realise their potential and aspirations.

“The Soweto Theatre is one of the most prestigious performing spaces in the township, and it excites us to be playing an important role through Embo to remember where we come from,” he adds.

The event is open to the public free of charge, but pre-booking is essential due to limited space.

For more information on Embo, please visit https://www.sowetotheatre.com or call 0861 670 670 for tickets.

21/06/2023