UJ Art Gallery Presents::
Vibrations: A Celebration of African Instruments
10 February - 14 March 2025
Curated by Mpho Molikeng
Presented by The Music In Africa Foundation
VIBRATIONS is a landmark exhibition showcasing over 100 African musical instruments, celebrating the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of Africa’s diverse musical traditions. Hosted at the University of Johannesburg from 21 February to 14 March 2025, this exhibition offers an immersive journey into the sonic world of indigenous African instruments, highlighting their historical significance, construction techniques, and continued relevance in contemporary music.
VIBRATIONS is part of the Music In Africa Foundation’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project – a continental initiative dedicated to preserving, professionalising, and celebrating the art of African instrument-making. With a particular focus on African musical instruments, this project equips young people with the skills to build and repair instruments, ensuring the continuity of our invaluable cultural heritage. Beyond hands-on training, IBR extends its
impact through online tutorials, performances, and public dialogues, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for Africa’s rich musical traditions.
The IBR project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) with additional support from Afrikayna through the VITA – Instrumenthèque d’Afrique project and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, University of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill’s Creative Uprising Hub, and Ukhozi FM.
"Two of the key takeaways that I hope audiences will leave with after experiencing this exhibition are: firstly, that Africa is a continent of immense cultural richness and diversity; and secondly, that music is an integral part of African identity and being. It is not just a form of entertainment, as it is often perceived, but an essential aspect of who we are, deeply ingrained in our culture and traditions"
