WOMAD

Jabu Khanyile & Bayete

From South Africa

While many contemporary music outfits are here today and gone tomorrow, this cannot be said of Jabu Khanyile and Bayete.In his material, Jabu confronts social issues, such as pride in blackness, brotherhood among Africans, preservation of culture and respect. He challenges society to review its level of respect. "The theme of our new album is respect but it also speaks about the preservation of our culture," says Jabu in his usual passionate way. "I realised that there was a lack of respect among people in our society. In the olden days, there was lots of respect and our parents and their parents before them led a relatively fruitful life."He sings of the lack of filial piety, commends those who work hard despite the hardships, and encourages those who don't pull up their socks. And, of course, he sings of undying love for his woman, in the way only he can do.And in a bid to forge unity of all South Africa - irrespective of colour, creed or religion -Jabu uses Sesotho, Isizulu and English in his songs. He adds proudly, "There's even aSetswana song called Kgabo and in Simunye I use Tshivenda and Xitsonga. I know that by using these different languages I'll be able to unite all the people of this country."He adds: "All of us in the whole of Africa are one. If you put away the different languages, we are just one African nation. If you look at the Masai (a Kenyan tribe) you'll find that they are just plain Amuzulu. For instance, people in the two nations pierce their ears in the same way and have common words like ubada(dad) and umama (mum). The most important aim is to see Africa as one."It is no secret that Jabu's persona is in itself all-encompassing. He is never seen without his royal East African fly-whisk and is always clad in Masai and Zulu Beads. His undeniable impact he attributes to his performance and travel in many parts of Africa. His impact was so huge that he was invited together with other African greats like Yossou n'Dour from Senegal and Papa Wemba from the Democratic Republic of Congo to record "So Why" for displaced African children.