CLASSICAL FOLK MUSIC: 'Kalahari Waits' by KHOI KHONNEXION

'In southern Africa, the Khoikhoi-San have infused themselves with all sectors of society, most notably the people known under Apartheid as "Coloureds", who also have genealogical roots from Africa, Europe and Asia.' Thus wrote Nate May in 2009, giving an accurate summation of the ingredients in a vibrant pool of multiculturalism, confluence of divergent ideas and a splintered social dialogue characteristic of multicultural groups living in modern southern Africa, and which led to the formation of Khoi Khonnexion.

"These are the songs of our awakening..."

Khoi Khonnexion was established by Garth Erasmus, Jethro Louw and Glen Arendse as a means to seek 'healing', celebrate diversity and to express the 'awakening' of the dormant, silenced voice and restless spirit embodied by the Khoi (Khoe-khoe or Amakhoekhoe), a distinct group of people who roamed southern Africa for more than 20 000 years, before European colonialsm. The Khoi is now extinct as a result of prolonged, harsh colonialist practices (untreated contagious, foreign diseases, enslavement, genocide, etc.), and while their multicultural descendants now live in squalid urban settlements, due to Apartheid legislation, the Khoi roamed freely following abundant herds of antelope, as water levels and seasons changed. 

(Photograph, l - r: Glen Arendse, Jethro Louw and Garth Erasmus)

Khoi Khonnexion recorded a brilliant work called 'Kalahari Waits' in 2009. The work was recorded in the format of a CD and...that's where all resemblance to a CD ends. It is not a traditional compilation of music as might be expected. Like its creators, the work is an intriguing, enlightening mixture of poetry, delivered with passion and feeling by Jethro Louw, of sounds, performed by Glen Arendse, complimented by the 'musical bow' and 'bliksnaar' (handmade stringed instrument made with wire and tin), played by Garth Erasmus.

The hunting bows used by the Khoi as a tool of survival, and still used by the San people in Namibia in Botswana, were brightly decorated by the hunters; each hunting bow an unique signature of its craftsman. There is speculation in some circles the hunting bow was also used as a musical instrument. Garth Erasmus performs a stunning solo on 'Kalahari Waits', track 7, called 'The Mind', using the hunting bow, giving credence to the theory that not only was the hunting bow an instrument of cultural expression, it was also used as a communication tool.

(Artwork: Xnau fire drawing made with petroleum jelly and fire by Garth Erasmus. 'Xnau' means 'initiation'.)

Entrenched in Khoi tradition was the highly prized ability to mimic natural sounds and movements emanating from the environment. Animal mimicry was particularly practiced and it is in this area that Glen Arendse shows his brilliance as he mimics bird calls, songs and whistles from the great Kalahari. Track 1 is called 'Morning Sky' and the clear calls of African birds during the entire presentation leaves one amazed at Arendse's ability as an artist. 

(Photograph: Khoi Khonnexion in earlier days, Jethro Louw, Garth Erasmus and seated, Glen Arendse)

The sound of drums is sparse and strategic, more to give emphasis. It is predominantly the sound of the spoken word in the form of poetry in modern English and Afrikaans for the convenience of the audience, following African oral tradition, the otherworldly thump, twang and wheeze of the musical hunting bow, birds' contributions to the conversation, traditional hand-clapping that sees no single delivery end effectively but flow from one track to the next until the end with 'Evening Sky', Track 12.The combined effect of natural sounds and poetry is the creation of an 'outside' inside.

Track 9: 'Oor die Uitgestrekte Dorre Vlaktes Vaal...'

(Photograph: Jethro Louw, Garth Erasmus and Glen Arendse of Khoi Khonnexion)

'Kalahari Waits' is one of the most worthwhile cultural investments and can be ordered in CD format directly from Garth Erasmus: gtserasmus@gmail.com / (+27) 78 661 2509 or (021) 981 4611, for the price of N$100.00 or R100.00, excluding postage. Africa is the mother and home of many cultural groups, languages and the setting of memorable historical events. This work by Khoi Khonnexion is another example of how we celebrate Africa's abundant diversity, express her silenced voices using music, art and words. 

"The evening sky tells the story of the day..."

For more information on Khoi Khonnexion, its art, music and activities, contact Glen Arendse on (+27) 78 367 5496 / kalebashi@gmail.com (Cape Town, South Africa).