After visiting the set of Muvhango we went to Kippies Jazz club to talk to musician Sipho Mabuse. Sipho is also known as ‘Hotstix’. (You will have to watch the video to find out why!) He grew up in Soweto and became known around the world for his part in creating Soweto Soul music.

It took a little while to get set up for filming. Kippies was dimly lit. With a little help from Sipho and Jenny’s creative film work we were able to make it work.

Music played an important part in the fight against apartheid. Sipho’s famous song ‘Burnout’ 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 agreed to come visit a school with us tomorrow and play for the students. Of course, we would love to hear him play too!

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

We talked with the students while we waited for Sipho to arrive. He 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.

After Sipho finished playing, we took some photos with the classes and headed to another school. At Mpontsheng School in Katlehong we spoke with high school students about what it was like growing up in America. They asked lots of questions, and also shared stories about growing up in South Africa. The students at Mpontsheng School also sang the National Anthem for us. I get the sense that young people in South Africa are very proud of their country.

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

Part I: Meet Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse	Part II: Sipho’s 1984 video for “Burn out”	South Africa's National Anthem, with pictures

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