30 June - 11 July

The spirit of Oliver Reginald Tambo is to be brought back to life during the Fifa World Cup. The late political stalwart will be given a moving tribute during ten concerts to be performed at the South African State Theatre, Pretoria, from the 30th of June until the 11th of July.

The production is supported by the Department of Arts and Culture under the leadership of Minister Luluma Xingwana . Music Lab is a production company headed by the legendary musician, bassist, composer and conductor, Victor Ntoni,. "The Department of Arts and Culture felt that the country should include O.R. in the Fifa World Cup celebrations remembering his selfless hard work fighting for our freedom. O.R. would actually be welcoming millions of the Fifa World Cup guests as they arrive at O.R. Tambo Airport", said Mr. Themba Wakashe, the department of Arts and Culture, Director General.

The performances are a historic journey through the life of O.R. narrated by the popular poet cum-singer Jessica Mbangeni. The ensemble consists of 20 voices, 18 piece band, 12 strings and traditional dancers. Top artists like Lawrence Matshiza, Feya Faku, McCoy Mrubatha, Barney Rachabane just to mention a few are included in the ensemble. The production includes original choral melodies, which were re-arranged by Bra Victor Ntoni, giving it a contemporary jazz feel.

You can imagine the results - a heady, joyous affirmation of the richness and complexity of our art. Take the traditional song, Ua Kae, composed all those years ago by JT Mohapelo, in this piece brains and voice not only meet but compliment each other in a way that you would think Mohapelo had a Feya Faku solo in mind when he wrote it.

Sir Sepp Blatter, the Fifa President, also predicted and commented when he announced that South Africa would be hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup, that guests should expect a lot of drums and music in South Africa.

Tickets to the concerts come in two forms, corporate tickets at R350 per person, these will include cocktails before the concert and during interval, tickets to the public are sold at R120 per person and are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.

Mzansi Sings a Tribute to O.R. Tambo is sponsored by the Department of Arts and Culture and media partners are Kaya Fm, Sowetan and Sunday World.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT TEMBI MAHAMBEHLALA
ON 011 483-1642 OR 076 855 2835 or visit Music Lab's Website: www.musiclab.co.za.