Sheffield to host English premiere of Poverty Requiem

from Chick Walla

OCTOBER 17 is the day of action for the Global Campaign Against Poverty (GCAP). It is also the UN day for the eradication of poverty. Hundreds of Voices will be singing from the same new hymn sheet on Oct 17.

Only its not a hymn. The Poverty Requiem is the most vibrant, rhythmic new piece of world music to be sung by ordinary people in over 27 countries all at the same time. It had its world premiere earlier this year in Kenya.

Its about demanding change to world trade systems, justices and democracy in the world’s poorest nations. Thousands of people are singing supported by 153 countries forming the GCAP coalition. They are demanding changes to trade laws that restrict fair trade and exploitation that causes unfair competition. Poverty and greed that leads to wars, over consumption and countless refugees are caused by people. People need to think about the real causes often glossed over by the media. The rich countries consume more and more with little attempt to ensure that everyone gets a “Fair share” so one of the catchy songs says. Illegal immigration usually has its root causes in unfair trade practices and the disruption caused over 100 years by former colonial powers who maintain their economic interests by proxy.

The host city for the premiere in England is Sheffield. The work by Dutch composer Peter Maissan is turning world music upside down. Spearheaded in Sheffield by Zimbabwean artists Mandla Sibanda and Lungani Sibanda. This is a rare occasion when African born artists lead a large intercultural choir through a complex and eclectic piece of music largely taught and memorised by ear.

The Requiem- implying death to poverty- blends its multiple percussive rhythms and haunting melodies with classical overtones. Supported by Mandla Sibanda’s well established and highly respected intercultural choir SOSA-XA! Sounds of Southern Africa the concerts challenge all kinds of misconceptions about how people in England can engage with Africa and world cultures.

The initiative to bring the work to England has been taken by SEMEA and its coordinator Philip Weiss who spent many years teaching and working in the arts and publishing in Zimbabwe. He is what they call a cultural geographer and likes works that cross cultural spaces. He thinks music is one of very few areas of human endeavour through which a divided society can cross language, cultural and other barriers.

SEMEA fills a cultural vacuum in the education and community arts sector fostering training exchanges with African artist. You too can join in the singing by checking the web site at www.semea.org.uk. The project has been developed with support from Oxfam Novib in Holland.