The University of Pretoria (UP) is doing research about the life and career of music icon Dolly Rathebe which will be turned into a biography.
Dr Nokuthula Mazibuko-Msimang, who is part of the artist in residency fellowship programme at UP, said the project was inspired by a paper that she did on the divas of 1950s early this year which included Rathebe, Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka, Letta Mbulu and Abigail Kubeka.
Rathebe died in September 2004 and is among stars who contributed immensely to the growth of the local music industry.
“I have always marvelled at how South African music is amazing, even on the world stages because we have Mam Miriam Makeba and Ladysmith Black Mambazo who have won Grammys. To me, it says that there is something special about local music," Mazibuko-Msimang said.
"I have always been fascinated by the decade of the 1950s because apartheid had just started in 1948. So, it was in its toddling years when people had to get used to the fact that they will be moved around. It was a fascinating decade in terms of films, music and writing style.
“Mam Dolly was enchanting as a film star, musician and freedom fighter, using her music to lament black peoples' struggles. Her spirit of freedom fighting can be heard in songs such as Bombela which won a Grammy award for Mam Miriam and Harry Belafonte. Mam Dolly is a treasure of our historical information and future generations need to know about the role she played.”
Mazibuko-Msimang said the research has afforded her an opportunity to study our history and honour our heroes.
"Mama Rathebe spent her whole life on stage, sharing her God-given talent. She built a community hall in Pretoria, which was another gift to her society. I am humbled and inspired by the depth of her artistry, as well as her boundless generosity. I am thrilled to be supported by UP’s Faculty of Humanities and the Future Africa Institute at UP to tell this history.”
UP vice-chancellor and principal Prof Tawana Kupe said the arts play a vital role in holding a mirror up to society and Mazibuko-Msimang is playing a significant role in telling uniquely SA stories.
Mazibuko-Msimang, who is working with Gabi Ngcobo and Tumelo Mosaka, is set to make a special presentation on Rathebe in March.
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