Ubuntu

The Spirit of Ubuntu:

Community, Humanity, and Hope

in South Africa

In February, 2006, Melodic Vision’s artistic team had the pleasure and opportunity to explore South Africa, a stunningly beautiful and vibrant country. On this, their first visit to

Africa, they collected photographic images, recorded interviews and ambient sounds, and forged wonderful new friendships during visits to Johannesburg, Greater Kruger National Park, and Cape Town.

In the wake of these adventures, they are in the process of creating a prototype for a new Melodic Vision production with the working title, The Spirit of Ubuntu: Community, Humanity, and Hope in South Africa.

To further develop the project, Melodic Vision’s directors are planning a return trip to fill in the gaps of information, photos, and sounds already collected. In addition, they hope to bring other musicians to do workshops and performances in Soweto, at CIDA University in Johannesburg, in Cape Town, and nearby townships. They will also continue their animal-intensive adventures at Kruger National Park, since wildlife plays such an integral part in South African culture.

Once completed, The Spirit of Ubuntu will entertain and educate Americans about South Africa, and provide South Africans living here a chance to experience their homeland through a new lens. The final show will also be performed in venues around South Africa.

Plans are underway for fundraising to extend our research and knowledge. Melodic Vision is interested in both finding sponsors to finance our next expedition and connecting with potential collaborators who are interested in using our talents for other projects that will aid international understanding of South Africa and enrich the lives of South Africans today.