Ukukhanya Arts Project presents "Illuminating Immunology through The Power of Art," a dynamic event blending poetry, photography, music, and theatre to celebrate the launch of Ukukhanya Arts Project.
The celebration will feature performances by the Amathunzi Group, music by Babalwa Mentjies and the Little Giants Jazz Band and Fivio Future, poetry by Abueng Junior, dance by the Future Line Arts Academy and photography by Clive Gray.
Through the arts, Ukukhanya aims to educate, inspire, and empower communities, turning complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. Join us as we celebrate two decades of transformative work and look ahead to a future where art and science unite to create healthier, more informed communities.
Ticket price is R50 and food and drink will be served.
Amathunzi Arts and Development Center
Babalwa Mentjies
Cast and Creative team for Ukukhanya Arts Project Launch at Theatre Arts
Cast
Professor Clive Gray
Photographer
Clive Gray is Professor of Immunology at Stellenbosch University and Emeritus Professor at University of Cape Town. His research focuses on HIV in pregnancy and the impact this has on children born who have been exposed to HIV in the womb, but are not infected. These children have a poor start in life health-wise and his research is trying to find out why. He was recently the recipient of the Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship award for 2023 for his research. He is also an accomplished photographer, with over 40 years of capturing life around the globe and using the power of the visual image to elicit new knowledge around community-based health – such as TB and HIV.
Babalwa Mentjies
Jazz Singer
Babalwa Mentjies is a talented jazz vocalist and songwriter based in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. A graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a major in Jazz Performance and a postgraduate qualification in Marketing Management, she is also a dedicated music educator and project manager at IMAD (Khayelitsha Institute for Music and Indigenous Arts Development). Passionate about community development, Babalwa mentors youth in music theory, instrumentals, and vocal performance. She is a founding member of Amathunzi Arts & Development Centre, using the arts to address social issues. Babalwa has performed with South Africa's top jazz musicians and continues to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and stage presence.
Little Giants Jazz Band
Music
Amathunzi Group
Theatre
Amathunzi Arts & Development Centre, co-founded by Babalwa Mentjies in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is a registered non-profit organisation focused on empowering marginalised youth. Serving ages 14-36, many of whom are not in employment or education, Amathunzi uses the arts to address social issues and create sustainable opportunities. The organisation’s programs enhance skills across various art forms, aiming to uplift and inspire young people in the community. A key highlight is their collaboration with the IUIS 2023 Immunology Conference, where youth learned about the immune system, TB, and HIV, furthering their mission to build a healthier, empowered community.
Abueng Junior
Poetry
Abueng Junior is a dynamic creative professional whose journey spans poetry, stage performance, video editing, and creative direction. In 2012, he published “In The Scheme Of Things”, a collection of poems and a lyrical CD. His career evolved at Andre Schwartz Marketing, where he contributed to campaigns for major brands like Reckitt Benckiser and Simba. As a Creative Producer/Director at Creative Directions, Abueng led impactful projects for EOH, Hollard, and Liberty. Also a radio host for "Retrograde" on 1485 Radio Today, he’s known for his innovative storytelling and unwavering commitment to excellence.