Washa Umkhukhu

Translated "House on Fire", this is one of the neatest entertainment venues I have been to any where in the world. From my understanding, it began as a studio that a local created in order to provide a place for local artists to come and share their creations. Over time a stage was added for spoken word and music performances. It now brings in artists from all over the world to perform. Since being here, I have attended salsa lessons, an italian jazz concert, a south african band "soul brothers", an international short film festival and my favorite Oliver Mtukudzi. Below is an local gentleman who opened for the "Soul Brothers". It is not the best picture, but he is wearing traditional dress. His instrument was a piece of wood with string and a plastic container on the top. It seemed that he would make chords with one hand then a metal rod against the strings.

All the shows I have seen are great, but Oliver Mtukudzi and his band put on one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. It was really a magical night. It was set on the lawn of house on fire to accomodate more people. Hundreds of people from all over swaziland and south africa came. One of our friends got some really good pictures that I hope to put on soon, but in the mean time the one below will have to do. The night started with three good opening acts, but the party did not start until Oliver and his band took stage. Oliver and his band are from Zimbabwe. They put on a high energy show that was contagious. Once they took stage everyone was on their feet and dancing. I think every Zimbabwean living in Swaziland was there and that is not a small number. We made friends with one woman who would translate the songs for us. There have been many random times where it hits me and I think to myself, "wow, I am living in Africa". This was one of those times because it was such a unique experience. This is such an amazing experience and I am so grateful that I get to live it. You can get some of his music on I-tunes if interested.