The presence of alcohol in art spaces has opened up countless unrealized possibilities for artists struggling with bottle addiction.
The constant presence of alcohol contributes to many problems in society, including gender-based violence and poor health.
The presence of alcohol in art spaces has opened up countless unrealized possibilities for artists struggling with bottle addiction.
South African jazz ensemble iPhupho L'ka Biko has founded Amanzi Sessions, a platform to address the issue of alcohol abuse in society.
“Alcohol is prevalent in jam sessions and live performances, and artists are sometimes paid in drinks and food,” said Nhlanhla Ngqaqu, lead man for iPhupho L'ka Biko. citizen.
Ngqaqu said the idea to host the sessions came to him when he noticed bands playing back-to-back shows and spontaneously drinking after their performances.
Umbrero
Thank you to everyone who came to the first edition of Amanzi Sessions: Love, Healing and Resistance. The first session is fully booked and we will not take your attendance for granted, especially on Mondays. Since then, it has been very well received. … pic.twitter.com/3oMwbT26p7
— iPhupho L'ka Biko (@IphuphoLikaBiko) April 25, 2024
“We started noticing that the previous night's drinking was affecting future performance. We have also been witnessing people in society who are under the influence of alcohol,” he said during the session. He explained how he came up with the idea.
“We're not demonizing drinking. We're just saying there are more benefits to abstinence, and when a man can't support his family because of alcohol, Families survive today because many black women choose not to drink and take care of their families.”
Also read: “This wasn't a political story, it was a black story” – iPhupho L'ka Biko on his performance at the EFF rally
just water
The word “Amanzi” means water, and the session titles are poignant in that these sessions are an attempt to wash away the presence of alcohol through love, healing, and resistance.
The sessions have been held twice since April at The Forge in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, and are free to attend, but patrons must book in advance.
The two sessions held so far revealed a lack of alcoholic beverages to provide water to patrons.
“The Forge is a space that hosts performances and sells alcohol…so for them to provide us with a space and not sell alcohol during the sessions is a huge deal because they… Because they make money by selling alcohol.”
“You can feel the lightness (of people who don't drink), but when you're in a space without alcohol, you also feel heaviness. Because there is.”
“The audience is quiet and attentive. It's interesting how people consume music and accept discussion when there's no alcohol,” he said.
The response from users has been positive.
Good day Barari
The second edition of Amanzi Sessions is now fully booked. Thank you again for the love, bless you and see you tomorrow.
…Marifezeke…
i Pufo Luca Biko pic.twitter.com/jqunvyactm— iPhupho L'ka Biko (@IphuphoLikaBiko) May 5, 2024
“People showed up. They were booked within 48 hours of the announcement. It was so packed that some people ended up sitting on the floor.”
The Amanzi session begins with a two-song performance, followed by a guest speaker.
Also read: Biographical film 'Back to Black': Amy Winehouse's journey to addiction and stardom
complex problem
The first Amanzi session featured development economist and broadcaster Ayabonga Kawe as a guest speaker, while the previous session featured essayist and Pan-Africanist Veli Mbele.
These intellectuals and scholars provide context to the complex issue of alcohol's impact on society.
“For example, the train from Langlagte to Naledi station has beer stations at each stop. It means not being able to go home or being late, which destroys families,” Ngqaqu asserted.
First Amanzi session in partnership with @IphuphoLikaBiko It was a great success! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the speakers who provided their valuable opinions. Amanzi sessions are all about promoting sobriety and fostering a comfortable environment where you can socialize without alcohol. pic.twitter.com/E2zyZcQs1P
— theforgejhb (@theforgejhb) April 25, 2024
This speaks to how alcohol is systematically positioned in society, especially in black communities where bylaws are not followed. You can easily find a tavern on almost every street in any town in South Africa.
“We are musicians and our guests share ideas that we have, but we can articulate ideas that we cannot express,” Ngqaqu said.
The next Amanzi session is scheduled to be held in early June, but Ngqaqu said there have already been requests for sessions from other provinces and cities.
Read now: 'I want to be an example' – former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Kanye bags reality show