Songs of Migration

They flowed from all parts of Africa, south, toward the promise of the golden city Johannesburg and a better life. Rich metals, hidden deep within the land, brought together a continent of even richer music, traditional costumes, instruments, songs, ceremonies, and dance.

The songs stories of late-19th century migrant workers shine in this exclusive U.S. premiere engagement. Songs of Migration is a musical tribute of migration songs compiled and arranged by the internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and lyricist Hugh Masekela and director James Ngcobo. This show, featuring Hugh Masekela and singer Sibongile Khumalo, is written and directed by James Ngcobo. In this celebration of song and dance, the same dusty streets, settlement camps, and train cars that sometimes separated families echo with the centuries of indigenous sounds that helped hold a patchwork culture together.