At the Borderline 4: The Sound of Soweto

In part 4 of the 'At the Borderline' series we will get to know more about the South African Field Band from Soweto and we will feature the longtime exchange programme that the Field Band Foundation has with the Norwegian Musikkorps Verbond (NMF) and Pioneer drum & bugle corps from Milwaukee (USA). Part 4 also includes a touching story of a musician who dreams of publishing the story of his life in a book. Written by Geert Vanmaeckelberghe, translation by Hans Kloppert.

Tuesday March 20th, 2007. Today we're visiting one of the first field bands which was formed in Dobsonville in north Soweto, ten years ago. Soweto is a contraction of 'South Western Township' and became world famous in 1976 when a group of black students demonstrated against Apartheid and police used live ammunition killing hundreds of them.

We're leaving Johannesburg and drive the busy ring around the city. Less than half an hour's drive from the city we take the exit and drive past an enormous "dump". Opposite the dump the government is building small stone houses, a new start of improvement. But soon beyond this we are also confronted with a large area filled with wooden slums with corrugated roofs. The unemployment rate (76%) in this area is the highest of all regions where the field bands are active. The horizon colours "townships" as far as the eye can see... Brass, percussion and dancers are busy practicing within the fences that surround the local school. Even though this is the end of the summer season, there is still a sweltering heat of the sun.


There clearly is a need for knowledge and technique for the marching percussion. Specific training, education, guidance and exercises would work miracles here. Despite the lack of knowledge, the youngsters show maximum efforts and dedication.

The dancers have had difficulties and are now trained by a new instructor. The arrears is visible, but the talent is present and promises a hope for the future. The steelband and the marimba ensemble also need support and education. The brass players are warming-up and make a confident mature impression. Warm-up exercises are played that are known within the show & marching circuits. Several T-shirts some musicians are wearing refer to the American drum corps scene. During the ensemble rehearsal we get to hear the junior ensemble. These children started in November 2006 and already manage to play together.

The senior band plays as expected: a strong brass section. This field band especially touches me deeply. The arrangements and sound sink in. Behind the musicians we see the Soweto horizon, the realization which cannot be missed and is only strengthened by the music. The sound is characterized by a touch of lamentation, an original power which can only have originated here. Youngsters and Field band in the middle of the township of Soweto: the image is right!

Time for a little chat with some of the musicians and staff! "Every year a new theme is chosen for the show. In 2006 this was 'Gospeltour' and this year we chose 'Van Tuka Af', which literally translates into 'music from the old days'. We play classics such as "Angelina" and "Soga Africa". The older people in the townships love it!" Takatso Mtshwene (24) has been a member since 1997 before which he played in church. At the age of 11 he learnt how to play the trumpet. In Dobsonville field band he is currently active as Bandcoordinator but will soon have the new task of mentor and instructor for other field bands.


"In 2003 and 2004 he went to Norway, thanks to the Norwegian exchange programme, founded by the Norges Musikkorps Forbund (NMF) seven years ago. Here he learnt how to read music and how to arrange. He could not read when he left and only knew little basic of letters. During the day he attended Manger Folkehogeskole and learnt how to read and speak Norwegian. He also played in the brass band. Takatso still has contact with some of the Norwegian musicians through SMS text messages. Some pieces the Dobsonville field band performs were arranged by Takatso. For example: 'The Wedding. "You're a romantic boy", I tell Takatso. A huge smile appeared on his face, Takatso smile showing his white teeth.

Thabo Mosime is 22 years old and had the chance to travel to the United States twice and take part in the DCI World Championships (for the last five years or so there has been an exchange programme with The Pioneer Drum & Bugle Corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin). The band competes in the highest division. This step meant a world of difference for Thabo but it was especially about gaining experience and knowledge. The first year (2004) Thabo played the soprano and in 2005 he was asked to play the baritone. A change which he initially didn't feel comfortable with, but thanks to the support of the brass staff accomplished well. "The advantage now is that I can play both the trumpet, the baritone as well as the mellophone."

A completely different story is that of Peter Wonci. He is 22 years old and wanted to tell us his life story. We find a quiet place and listened: "I grew up in Eastern-Cape. I was adopted by my uncle after the death of my parents. I was treated badly, neglected and had to do all the dirty work. I was totally isolated from the other children and did not lead a happy life. Questions such as "Why am I here?" and "God, what are you doing to me?" continuously puzzled me. My life was one big fight to survive. After I got in contact with Retha she found a new place for me. I grew up with music and played the marimba in church. Retha taught me about the FBF which changed my life significantly."


"In the meantime I was teaching children. Some of them were experiencing the same things I was. I identify these kids and get along with them well. Whenever I teach I feel what's on their minds. Their focus is here, but something else is on heir minds permanently. Something which holds them back in being themselves. I take care of them, see if they're wearing socks and shoes or a sweater when winter's here..."

"I am a very strict teacher and should always know the reasons why a child does not appear at rehearsal. I see a future for them. They should follow my example and accept all given opportunities with both hands!"
"Meanwhile I compose music myself. I would like to arrange and grow in this domain. In August I am leaving for Oslo (Norway). There I would like to learn and study and later on give my knowledge back to the FBF."

Peter Wonci is writing a book. He wants to put his life story, everything he has experienced and gone through on paper. Even before his departure to Oslo. He is hoping to publish his book so that others can read it. Peter's face enlightens. A wide smile appears on his chocolate-skin. "Tomorrow I am taking a plane to Zambia to perform there for one of our sponsors."

Geert Vanmaeckelberghe
Links: www.pioneer-corps.org, www.musikkorps.no, www.fieldband.org.za