Acclaimed guitarist and composer Billy Monama unpacks the return of Rebirth of Ubuntu, the celebrated production that honours South Africa’s most iconic music legends through live performance, storytelling, and cultural tribute.
Set for 29 and 30 May at the Joburg Theatre, this year’s fifth edition runs under the theme “50 Years of Youth Legacy,”reflecting on the 1976 generation through music, memory, and legacy.
The lineup features celebrated artists paying tribute to South African music legends who helped define the country’s cultural identity.
Lira will honour Miriam Makeba, while Zoë Modiga pays tribute to Busi Mhlongo. Vusi Nova is set to honour the legacy of Lucky Dube, while Belgium-based jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane will honour Sibongile Khumalo.
The production will also celebrate legendary guitarist and composer Jimmy Dludlu as this year’s honouree.
For Monama, who will additionally pay tribute to guitar legend Allen Kwela, the production serves as both a celebration of legacy and a reminder of music’s enduring power to preserve memory and connect generations.
As both curator and performer of Rebirth of Ubuntu, how would you describe your personal journey in bringing this production to life?
I have always been a musician first, a guitarist at heart. But over the years, my roles have evolved, shaped by the ambitions I carry as a creator. Today, I am not just a musician. I’m a producer, a curator, a director, a marketer, and someone deeply involved in sponsorship relations. All of these roles came from a desire to create something more meaningful, to advance the creative economy i.e. jobs creation. The Rebirth of Ubuntu Concert is that vision, a body of work rooted in purpose, storytelling, legacy, and social impact.
The theme “50 Years of Youth Legacy” carries significant historical weight, how do you interpret your role within that narrative?
This year, we mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, a defining moment that shaped the course of our nation. We reflect on the journey of young people, especially those who sacrificed their lives so that we may stand where we are today, with the freedoms and opportunities we now have. For me, this is not just an event. It is a form of thanksgiving, a moment to honour those who fought against Bantu Education and for the right to learn, think, and exist freely. Through music, we take the audience on a journey back to 1976. You must understand, the 1970s were a critical time, the rise of the Black Consciousness Movement, a period of awakening that laid the foundation for resistance and self-definition. The music of that era didn’t just exist; it shaped us. It carried the spirit of defiance, identity, and hope. In our curation, we honour that legacy, drawing from the composers and voices rooted in places like Soweto, whose work reflected the heartbeat of the struggle. But beyond reflection, this is also a call to action. We want to inspire young people to find and use their voices, to become the leaders and storytellers of tomorrow.
You will be paying tribute to Allen Kwela, which elements of his musical identity are you most intentional about preserving?
As part of this year’s concert, I will be paying tribute to Allen Kwela, a groundbreaking guitarist and composer whose contribution to South African music is profound. His compositions have lived on through generations, with many of his works later popularised by artists like Sibongile Khumalo and Sandile Shange, among others. For me, this tribute is deeply personal. As a guitarist, Allen Kwela’s style, musicality, and sensitivity to storytelling through the instrument have been a major influence on my own journey.
What can audiences expect from this year’s event in terms of the overall experience and musical offering?
The audience must come expecting a deeply nostalgic experience, but more than that, a moment of reflection. This concert is not just about looking back; it’s about feeling, remembering, and reconnecting with the journey that has shaped us.
Nostalgia here is intentional. It’s a bridge between generations. This year, we have curated a powerful lineup of artists, many of whom have never shared this stage before. We will be honouring Jimmy Dludlu as our featured legend, celebrating his immense contribution to South African music
Looking at the journey of bringing this production together, what would you describe as the most significant highlight or defining moment for you?
For me, the most significant moment of the concert is the very first segment. It’s important that the audience is there from the beginning, this is not a show you arrive late to. The opening is a powerful historical presentation. We begin with a cappella freedom songs, music that carries the spirit of resistance, identity, and memory. It sets the tone for everything that follows. If you miss this moment, you may not fully grasp the depth and intention of the journey we’re taking. We open with the national anthem, a deliberate choice. This production is about legacy, diversity, and culture, and we want the audience to walk that journey with us from the very first note. The first segment is about grounding connecting us to where we come from. The second segment then moves into “Tribute to the Masters,” where we honour the greats, including exile musicians like Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, and others who carried South African music across the world during difficult times.
Saturday Star
