The Sabbath Listening Session With Gabi Motuba: A Unique Fusion of Music, Art, and Culinary Excellence

Date: August 3, 2024
Location: Asisebenze Art Artillier, Johannesburg
Time: 2 pm – 7 pm

Johannesburg’s vibrant cultural scene is about to witness a one-of-a-kind event as Gabi Motuba, a distinguished jazz vocalist and composer, hosts a listening session for her highly anticipated album, The Sabbath. This gathering is set to take place at the Asisebenze Art Artillier, an art space that will be transformed into a multidisciplinary haven for the afternoon of 03 August 2024.

An Afternoon of Musical Exploration

Gabi Motuba‘s new album, The Sabbath, is a deeply reflective body of work that has been four years in the making. During a recent interview, she expressed her excitement about finally bringing this project to fruition:

“Yeah, The Sabbath is my upcoming album. I’m very, very excited about releasing this body of work. It’s a very reflective work for me. It’s been cooking for the past three to four years, and I’ve done many iterations of it.”

Motuba has meticulously crafted this album, experimenting with various musical forms such as string quartets and percussion, before arriving at the final version that we will experience.

The album’s release date, 30 August 2024, coincides with the UJ Weekend of Jazz, promising an exciting musical culmination. Prior to that, however, the listening session offers an exclusive opportunity to dive into Motuba’s creative process and explore the layers of sound she has assembled.

A Multidisciplinary Experience

The Sabbath Listening Session is more than just a musical event; it is an immersive experience that celebrates art, music, and culinary craft. Partnering with Duka Studio by fine artist Mncedi Madolo and Bitten Studio by culinary pantsula Mantis Shabane, the event is designed to engage all the senses. The spacious art studio setting will feature an interactive installation by Madolo, encouraging guests to interact with the art in a personal and meaningful way.

The culinary experience curated by Bitten Studio promises gourmet offerings that complement the music, creating a harmonious blend of taste and sound. This fusion of the senses is further enhanced by the inclusion of Lit Culture, which will host a pop-up featuring African literature. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse and purchase books that reflect the themes and moods explored in The Sabbath.

Celebrating The Sabbath and Its Singles

In the lead-up to the album’s release, Motuba has already shared singles like “Order My Steps” and “The Law of First Mention.” Both tracks have received enthusiastic responses, with “Order My Steps” being a particularly personal piece, dedicated to her late father, Rufus Duke Motuba. On social media, she expressed her gratitude for the support:

“Thank you for the love and the streams of my latest single: Order my steps! This song is dedicated to my late father… I’m so proud of this project and so grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, and talent into this music!”

These singles offer a glimpse into the thematic depth of The Sabbath, which explores motifs of spirituality, reflection, and the intersections of biblical text and Afropessimism.

“has managed to get all my ideas that have kind of been compounded over the years into the album, into what we know today as The Sabbath.”

As Motuba describes it, The Sabbath is an album that

The Event Lineup

The listening session will not only feature the album’s music but also live performances by Motuba and her ensemble, which includes talented musicians such as Themba Mashobane (Cellist), Thabang Tabane (Percussionist), and Robin Fassie (Trumpeter), among others. The event will also include sets by DJs and selectors Jab A Jaw and Buntu The Ghetto, ensuring a continuous flow of music throughout the day.

Join the Celebration

With free tickets available, the Sabbath Listening Session is a not-to-be-missed event for music lovers, art enthusiasts, and the broader Johannesburg community. Engage with Gabi Motuba as she presents her new work in a setting that is as creative and dynamic as the album itself. Whether you’re drawn by the music, the art, or the food, this event promises a memorable afternoon of cultural exploration and connection.

For those interested in attending, tickets are available on Quicket. Secure your spot and prepare to be part of an extraordinary celebration of sound, art, and taste.