The Stellenbosch University (SU) Museum reached an all-time high when 260 young people gathered at the museum for this year’s second Open Mic event in collaboration with the SU Transformation Office, on the 8th of August.
Performers from all walks of life had the crowd snapping and cheering profusely as they shared some of their lived experiences through music and spoken word.
The audience listens attentively as performers leave it all on the stage. PHOTO: Judy Philander.
“This space was born from seeing a lack of spaces that are accommodating and which allow freedom of expression for marginalised voices in Stellenbosch,” said Kholofelo Molangwane (23), a post-graduate Sustainable Development student and co-founder of Open Mic.
“We usually host these events around important holidays. This particular Open Mic is centred around women’s month and the next one will be in honour of Heritage Day,” she added.
Palesa Conco (24), a medical student from Tygerberg, was one of the performers who managed to dazzle the crowd with her sultry voice and witty word play as she performed a spoken word poem in honour of her friend.
“I’m really passionate about the arts. Things get heavy and I’m not very emotionally expressive but I feel a lot. I also don’t know how to say things to people on a personal level so performing in front of crowds feels less impersonal but you’re still sharing and off-loading at the same time,” Conco said.
One of the many spoken word performers of the night entertaining the crowd during her performance. PHOTO: Judy Philander.
“Music is really amazing and whenever I perform it’s like I’m in a whole new world,” said Ntsako Maluleke (18), a first year BAcc student.
Maluleke had the crowd dancing and singing along during his energetic hip-hop inspired performance.
Co-founder of the event Lwazi Pakade (23), a final year Social Dynamics student, expressed his gratitude for the continued support in a letter which was read in his absence at the closing of the event.
Rendani Mathiki (23), the evening’s host, addresses the audience. PHOTO: Judy Philander.
“Thanks to everyone who keeps on supporting me by attending and performing at these events. I can’t even begin to show my gratitude to the poets of Kayamandi who have been with us from the first Open Mic,” he stated.
“The performances were amazing, this is my second time attending this event. It’s great to see young people express themselves without being afraid of being judged,” said Vuyelwa Makhaluza (16) of Kayamandi, an audience member and the youngest performer of the night.
Watch below: One of the performances of the evening which proved to be a crowd favourite.