Students were treated to a spectacle of sound in the Performing Arts Center on Feb. 27 to celebrate Black History Month.

The fascinating sounds were contributed by the multi-talented Magauwane Mahloele and his numerous, handmade instruments.

Mahloele was born in Storomo and raised in Tshwane ya Mamelodi, South Africa. He is also a part of the BaPedi people, who are known for their knowledge in music and instrumentation.

He grew up under the apartheid system and worked to see it demolished.

Mahloele is gifted in the construction and playing of many instruments, including the African drums, stolotolo (mouth harp), dipela (kalimba), naka, flute, seker, kora, and makhoyane (a bowed instrument with a gourd resonator).

He is also a sculptor, painter, actor, and audio engineer. He has traveled throughout Europe, the United States and Africa. As an incredibly talented and creative man, Mahloele is dedicated to the traditional music and culture of his Azanian people.

“There are a lot of modern day assemblies dealing with different cultures,” said Gina Girotti, Global Awareness Coordinator, “I really wanted to go back to the roots of the culture.”

Mahloele has taught African percussion all around the world. He has been in countries as far off as Swaziland and cities as close by as Philadelphia. He has helped to spread his love of music to people of all cultures.

In the assembly, Mahloele gave a little bit of background on each musical instrument he had with him, including what each instrument was used for in his country.
Unfortunately, because of time constraints, it was nearly impossible for Mahloele to go into much depth in hisexplanations.

“I thought he was interesting, but he didn’t go into enough history,” remarked junior Sarah Mikulasko, who wants to be an African Studies teacher.

During these demonstrations, students seemed very attentive and asked a lot of questions. All in all, it was a remarkable presentation by a very accomplished man. “When students sit up and listen, that’s a sign of a great assembly,” Girotti added.