Idols judge and musician Unathi Msengana will be headlining the relaunch of storytelling platform Imbawula at the Bassline in Newtown on Tuesday.

Joining her on stage will be media personality Kojo Baffoe, satirist Neo Maditla and author Sihlangule Siwisa.

Imbawula is a monthly storytelling initiative that was launched by Random Window to help raise funds for the Quarphix Foundation, a youth development NGO that gives a leg up to disadvantaged youth through exposure, tutoring and career forums.

“We have been working with the Quarphix Foundation for a number of years and are delighted that Imbawula is back, in a bigger way, poised to contribute to storytelling, literacy and the great work done by the Quarphix Foundation,” said Imbawula host and founder Siphiwe Mpye.

“The location, infrastructure and history of the Bassline are a perfect fit for what we are trying to achieve,” Mpye added.

The Bassline is one of South Africa’s premier music and arts institutions and it makes sense for Imbawula to relaunch.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the return of Imbawula, and playing a role in keeping this unique art form going. Newtown is the home of the arts in Joburg, and these kinds of events choosing to be here really means a lot to us,” said Bassline founder and Managing Director Brad Holmes.

Imbawula is a storytelling initiative designed to preserve the art of storytelling, while encouraging literacy. It is inspired by the by the age-old African tradition of storytelling around a fire. It brings together storytellers, who each have 10-minutes on stage, from different walks of life to share their experiences – whether inspiring, humorous, touching or thought provoking – with a view to exposing a shared human experience.

Previous storytellers include include economist Xhanti Payi, Livity Africa founder Gavin Weale, media personalities Claire Mawisa and Anele Mdoda.

Music will be provided by the talented Melo B. Jones, Imbawula’s resident artist. Melo’s music is a fusion of Soul, Jazz, R&B and Neo-Soul. The rising star has performed – both as a main act as well as a featuring artist – on many stages including the Cape Town Jazz Festival, Party People and the Super Bock Annual Festival in Luanda.

After a pilot phase at the now defunct Bean Republic from December 2014 where entry was free, the night of exceptional entertainment now has a R50 cover charge. All proceeds at the door and T-shirts sales on the night go to the Quarphix Foundation where funds will be used to support the reading pillar of their Radical Dreamers Programme.

Time: 19:00 for 19:30

Venue: Bassline, Henry Nxumalo Street, Newtown

Cover: R50

For updates:

Facebook: Random Window

Email: info@randomwindow.co.za