In fact so profound is Simphiwe Dana’s influence that her music has been incorporated into the curriculum at Oxford University, no small feat for even the most established of musician considering that to date Simphiwe has only released 4 studio albums and 2 Live DVD’s.

I want ‘Thandwa Ndim’ to bring strength and courage to women who feel that they are trapped in toxic situations,” says Amanda Black of a song that she wrote after seeing a news report of yet another South African woman killed by her partner. “I want these women to understand that they are not alone and that they are truly loved.”

“This lecture will expose a side not mentioned often. We will not be dwelling on glorifying King Cetswayo’s exploits but demonstrating how ‘unity of purpose’ has achieved what experts would have called impossible, as Africans bared it all and showed preparedness to lay down their lives in defence of their land,” explains Khoza.

“Spending time in my mother’s hometown of rural Somerset East exposed me to the legend of John Kepe,” says Qubeka. “The epic nature of his capture, the spiritual poetry of his calling, the impending horror of Apartheid and the power of Kepe’s fervent belief in something greater than himself drew me to his intriguing tale.

Nina Simone Four Women written by Christina Ham uses the framework of one of Nina Simone’s most blistering songs “Four Women” to give voice to a group of women who suffered from self-hatred due to the different hues of their skin. These matriarchs of emancipation carry their songs of praise and protest deep within their spirits. These voices of angels unite in a chorus to cast out the demon of segregation.