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Bayreuth, Germany – March 14, 2025 –
Thandeka Mfinyongo’s Grand Finale in Bayreuth: A Celebration of Indigenous Music and Craftsmanship
Bayreuth, Germany – March 13, 2025 – South African musician and cultural advocate Thandeka Mfinyongo is set to deliver a mesmerizing concert and pop-up exhibition at Iwalewahaus, Bayreuth, as the grand finale of her artistic fellowship with the Cluster of Excellence EXC 2052 – “Africa Multiple: Reconfiguring African Studies”.
This unique event, scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM, will be a vibrant showcase of traditional Xhosa music, instrument-making craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling. Mfinyongo, an expert in the uhadi (gourd/calabash bow) and umrhubhe (mouth-bow), will present an evocative performance that weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and heritage.
A Musical and Cultural Homecoming
As part of the Ingoduko (Homecoming) Project, Mfinyongo has spent her fellowship exploring indigenous music, conducting workshops, and mentoring local musicians. The concert will feature performances by participants of her Instrument-Making and Music Workshop Series, who have handcrafted their own instruments using materials sourced from Bayreuth’s forests and South African landscapes—a fusion of tradition and contemporary innovation.
Accompanying the performance will be a pop-up exhibition, offering visitors an intimate look at self-made uhadis and documenting Mfinyongo’s journey in Bayreuth. The exhibition will highlight the significance of instrument-making in preserving indigenous African music, an art form that Mfinyongo passionately advocates for.
More Than a Performance – A Cultural Movement
Born in Nyanga East, Cape Town, Thandeka Mfinyongo is a rising force in the preservation and reimagining of traditional African music. A PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology at Rhodes University, her musical career has taken her to prestigious festivals, including the Joy of Jazz, National Arts Festival, Folklore Festival, and the South African Strings Foundation.
Her collaborations with legendary artists such as the late Dr. Madosini and Dumza Maswana have further solidified her role as a key figure in African musical heritage. Mfinyongo’s work is driven by a mission to revitalize endangered musical traditions and introduce new generations to the powerful sounds of Xhosa instruments.
Bayreuth and Beyond
This Bayreuth performance marks the conclusion of Mfinyongo’s fellowship, but her musical journey continues. Fans can also experience her performances at:
- March 8, 2025 – Südpunkt, Nürnberg
- March 22, 2025 – Steingräber Bayreuth
Event Details
📍 Venue: Iwalewahaus, Bayreuth
📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Concert Starts: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free of charge
This is more than just a concert—it is a celebration of music, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making!
For the full program and more details, visit us
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Thandeka Louisa Mfinyongo. Photo: Anita Hlazo
