Think South African music and what comes to mind are such names as Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hugh Masekala, Johnny Clegg. The Polokwane Choral Society is not a household name, and not a professional choir, but within strong musical cultures the amateur can be as accomplished and as affecting, at least to the untrained but receptive ear.
Experiencing the PCS (my acronym) performance at Indian River was a lesson in musical history, if we feel attuned to gospel, blues and jazz traditions. Africa is where it all began, and the multilingual PCS spans styles, though always with a sound and arrangement particular to its own South African background.
It is anything but condescending to note that this mixed choir of 24 voices, led by Matlakala Bopape, appears to sing for its own sake…their joy and enthusiasm contagious enough to break down the somewhat stiff, if receptive, audience, nearly a full house. By the time the choir leader had invited—no, insisted upon—audience participation, the connection was complete.
South Africa has eleven official languages, and the PCS dipped into most, as well as English (a stunning rendition of “Precious Lord”) in conveyancing a musical experience too seldom heard on PEI. St. Mary’s acoustics and setting were perfect, all considered.
Such music, we were reminded, is a way of dealing with oppression and poverty, partly because it offers hope and a way of shouting defiance, as well as a feeling of accomplishment.
Mostly a cappella, but with intermittent drum accompaniment, this concert was no less than a lesson in (probably untrained) close and magnificent harmonies, the soloists as good as one might wish. There was a spot of infectious dancing as well, near the end, the end itself the respectful singing of the familiar and always stirring South African National anthem, “Nkosi Sikeleli.” I haven’t had this much fun since attending a cymanfa ganu in Wales. The Welsh, too, like to end an evening of song with their anthem.
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