After Muvhango, we headed to our final stop of the day - Kippies Jazz Club - to interview musician extraordinaire, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse.

Finding some good light for filming in a dark jazz club can be a tricky task. We did manage though. Sipho and the ProjectExplorer gals gathered in a swanky, little lounge area while the guys patiently waited in the main club trying to listen through the glass partition. We listened to Sipho talk about his influences and how he was able to contribute to the anti-apartheid struggle through activism and music. Music, art, and performance can certainly be powerful tools in addressing oppression and injustice. Sipho has been in the music business for many years now and it's clear that his songs represent South Africa, its people, its history, and its soul.

Of course, we wanted to hear Sipho play, so we have convinced him to join us tomorrow at a school in Soweto which we are scheduled to visit...

Day 8

Well, Sipho made good on his promise and joined us late this morning at St. Peter's Primary School in Soweto.

The students were so excited to have us as their guests and teach us local songs and games. When Sipho entered the large recreation room, where the entire school had assembled, all of the kids jumped to their feet and applauded. Once the students calmed down, Sipho asked (in Zulu) if the students wanted him to speak in Zulu or English. The students replied “in English so that our American guests can understand.” Sipho played a few songs, including South Africa’s national anthem, during which all of the students proudly sang along.

Later, we visited Mpontsheng School in Katlehong, on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Here, we met a large group of high school students who were studying tourism and had lots of questions about life in America. The students asked about our impressions of South Africa so far, and then they treated us to some beautiful singing, including the National Anthem.

I loved spending today with our young hosts and Sipho!

Part I: Meet Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse	Part II: Music and the Apartheid Era	Part III: Sipho’s 1984 music video for the hit “Burn out”	South Africa's National Anthem, with photos from our school visits

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