From Kippies Jazz Club in downtown Jo’burg - to interview musician extraordinaire, Sipho Mabuse. Sipho is also called ‘Hotstix’. (You will have to watch the video to find out why!)

Music played an important part in the fight against apartheid. Sipho’s famous song ‘Burn Out’ crossed racial lines. It was listened to by white South Africans, people living in townships, and all around the world. Crossing these boundaries was very important because it was the first time that many white South Africans had heard music from the townships. His music, and that of other South African musicians, helped draw attention to unfair apartheid laws in their songs.

Music, poetry, theatre, and other forms of art have the power to inform people and encourage them to fight for change. In South Africa’s case music and the arts helped to change their history and create a new South Africa.

Sipho also spoke about artists that influenced him like Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, and Charlie Parker.

Sipho agreed to come visit a school with us tomorrow and play for the students. Of course, we would love to hear him play too...

St. Peter’s Primary School in Soweto. This morning, we were invited to St. Peter’s school in Soweto. Here, we met the first and third grade classes.

Sipho kept his promise and entertained the school by playing several songs on his saxophone. One of the songs he played was the South African National Anthem called ‘Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika’. The entire school sang along. Both the singing and Sipho’s playing were incredible.

I enjoyed spending the day with our young hosts and hearing Sipho play.

Before moving on: Learn about Hugh Masekela, another famous South African musician.

Move on: To Sun Goddess Clothing!

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