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Pops Mohamed playing the Kora and accompanied by the Nigerian saxophonist, Ayo Solanke, on the Chimes
From left: Dawid Kahts, Alet Joubert, Pops Mohamed, Kgomotso Boshielo, Pops' fiancée & Ayo Solanke
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Unisa conducts music exams for 115 years
It is not generally known that Unisa has been conducting music examinations for the past 115 years.
The first music examination arranged by the then University of the Cape of Good Hope (the precursor of the University of South Africa) took place in 1894 in collaboration with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London.
When the University of the Cape of Good Hope became the University of South Africa in 1918, the music examinations were partly the responsibility of Unisa. In 1945, however, the Unisa Council decided that these examinations would become the sole responsibility of Unisa, independent from the Associated Board.
Currently, a panel of 50 examiners are contracted to conduct the examinations of about 13 000 candidates countrywide in 34 instruments and theory of music. These examiners are properly trained and attend the examiners’ meeting every year.
Pops Mohamed in concert at Unisa
One of the legends of South African music, the multi-instrumentalist Pops Mohamed, thrilled his audience during a free lunch hour concert in the Dr Miriam Makeba Concert Hall on Friday 17 July 2009 with fascinating performances on the Kora (a harp from West Africa), the Mbira (a thumb piano from Zimbabwe) and the African Mouth Bow.
After his lunch hour performance, Pops Mohamed was invited to lunch in the Protea restaurant. He was joined by Dawid Kahts (graphic artist from Unisa Press and guitarist), Alet Joubert (Events Coordinator of the Unisa Music Foundation), Kgomotso Boshielo (Secretary of the Unisa Music Foundation), Pops' fiancée and Ayo Solanke.
Pops wrote in our autograph book: "Thank you so much for inviting me and Ayo. We had a great concert and look forward to performing here again. The acoustics were great and so were the people and the organisers!"
Do not miss the next free lunch hour concert presented by the Unisa Music Foundation on Friday 14 August 2009 when Acoustic Moodz will entertain you with popular and traditional items. |
