Back o’ the Moon: A photographic exhibition of the ‘fabulous era’ of South African jazz
Just how was it possible that during those dark, moonless, times of apartheid, a culture so extraordinary as to produce Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Gideon Nxumalo, and Kippie Mokoetsi could have existed? Furthermore, it may seem implausible that at that very moment the likes of Alf Kumalo, Peter Magubane, Bob Gosani, and Ernest Cole were perfecting their photographic arts.
As improbable as it may seem, profound and poignant photographs of jazz men and women were captured to testify to what Drum writer Lewis Nkosi called the ‘fabulous decade’. These artists created, figuratively, a ‘back of the moon’, a creative space hidden from apartheid eyes. Of course it was literally at the Back of the Moon — a famous Sofiatown shebeen — where many of a photographer and would be jazz musician elicited their creative juices. Back o’ the Moon is a photographic exhibition showcasing the works of some of South Africa’s most remarkable artists — photographers and jazz legends alike.
Photographers: Alf Kumalo, Peter Magubane, Bob Gosani, GR. Naidoo, Gopal Naransamy, Ernest Cole, Jürgen Schadeberg, and Paul Weinberg.
Jazz legends include: Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Dolly Rathebe, Kippie Moeketsi, Mackay Davashe, Philip Tabane, Gideon Nxumalo, Nathan Mdledle, and Abdullah Ibrahim.
EXHIBITION TIMES & ACTIVATIONS:
Thursday 1 – Sunday, 4 May 2025 open daily from 10:00-18:00
Venue: 57 Church Street, Prince Albert
- Exhibition Preview: Thursday 1 May 2025 16:00 for 16:30
- Walkabout: Join curators Matthew Blackman and Ruarc Peffers for an insightful overview of the exhibition on Friday, 2 May at 11h30. This is a free event but booking through Quicket is essential
- Talk: Rhythms of Resistance: South African Jazz and Photography in the Age of Oppression, with guest speaker Nonhlanhla Kumalo (daughter of Alf Kumalo) on Saturday 3 May at 11h30. This is a free event but booking through Quicket is essential