The launch of the six-part documentary series, Vuma – A Music Revolution, which will broadcast on SABC1 from 1 December through to mid January 2010, was held last week at the Kalawa Jazmee lounge (formerly Zambezi lounge) in Johannesburg, attracting arguably the biggest gathering of Kwaito stars under one roof.
Vuma – A Music Revolution, created by award-winning filmmakers Vincent Moloi and Norman Maake, takes a new look at the pop phenomenon of Kwaito music and the Kwaito life. The series follows the owners of Kalawa Jazmee over a period of two years years and profiles Kwaito legends Oskido, Mandla Spikiri, Thebe, Bruce “Dope’ Sebitlo, Mjokes, Trompies, Boom Shaka, Alaska, Chakaroski, Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin and many dancers, producers and club DJs. At the launch Moloi said: “You’ll remember this as the day when film became popular culture’.
Maake added: “Vuma has been two years in the making, you have no idea how good it feels to see this all come together. We’re making history, we’re telling the true story of South African expression, heart, imagination, creativity. I can’t wait for Vuma to hit South African TV screens.’
What made the launch event particularly unique was that it formed part of the final episode of the documentary. “We really, really wanted to document the taking over of Zambezi Lounge by Kalawa Jazmee in the film and how the stable, or rather family, of Kalawa celebrates. We want the final episode to be a nostalgic performance showcase, and glimpse into the extravagance of new Kwaito so every second, every single angle, every sound bite from interviews done by the Khabonina as well as the night’s performance highlights will be built-in into the wrap-up episode of Vuma,’ explained Moloi.
Celebrity guests included Bubu Mazibuko [Gazlam], Mbali Mlotshwa [Soul City], Psyfo [Generations] Sibulele Gcilitshana [Society], Sami Tyelbooi [Society], Presley Chweneyagae [Tsotsi] , Katlego Danke [Generations], Hlengiwe [Seskhona], Zizo Beda [Selimathunzi], DJ Pepsi, Lerato Moloisana [Society] and Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula.
Performances recorded on the night included historic re-unions of Brothers of Peace and Bongo Maffin. Performances were also delivered by Kwaito veteran Thebe, Afro pop pioneers Mafikizolo, Winnie Khumalo, Alaska and Trompies, featuring Mahoota. DJs Black Coffee, Zinhle, Mahoota and Pepsi also kept the crowds boogying on the dance floor till the early hours of the morning.
