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Unisa musical instruments exhibition strikes a powerful note
Visitors to the exhibition could explore the instruments in innovative ways, listening to their sounds, discovering their origins and exploring their cultural symbolism through immersive media
Unisa made history with the inaugural Unisa African Music Festival, held on 26 and 27 September 2025 at the Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria. The festival celebrated Africa’s rich and diverse musical traditions, marking a significant step in preserving heritage through innovation.
As part of the festivities, Unisa’s Library and Information Services (LIS) presented a captivating digital exhibition of African musical instruments, curated by Dr Daniel Mosako, Acting Chair of the Department of Art and Music. The exhibition, an initiative of the Unisa Music Foundation, served as a bridge between the archives and the public, transforming preserved artefacts into vibrant, interactive experiences.
"These instruments tell the story of our identity, resilience and creativity," said Mosako. "By digitising them, we are ensuring that Africa’s sound heritage continues to inspire future generations."
At the heart of the exhibition stood the marimba, its rich tones capturing the rhythmic essence of African music. Surrounding it were a range of traditional drums, often referred to as "heartbeat instruments" due to their central role in ceremonies, storytelling and communication. Crafted from natural materials such as wood, gourds and animal hide, each instrument embodied the harmony between culture and nature, echoing the wisdom and craftsmanship of Africa’s master artisans.
The digital component allowed visitors to explore the instruments in innovative ways, listening to their sounds, discovering their origins and exploring their cultural symbolism through immersive media. This seamless fusion of tradition and technology showcased how archives can transcend static preservation to become dynamic spaces of artistic engagement.
"It felt like stepping into history through sound," said Prof Boitumelo Senokoane, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. "You could feel the spirit of Africa come alive."
By integrating live performances with digital storytelling, Unisa’s LIS redefined what it means to "take the archive to the people". The initiative positioned the university at the forefront of using digital innovation to safeguard and celebrate Africa’s intangible heritage.
"Heritage must be heard, not hidden. Through sound, story and song, we keep it alive," added Mr Joe Sindane, Archivist at the Unisa Library.
This pioneering exhibition reaffirmed Unisa’s commitment to bringing the archive to the people, keeping heritage alive and relevant through sound, story and song. The display resonated deeply with the spirit of the African Music Festival, celebrating the harmony between tradition and technology.
As melodies filled the air and visitors journeyed through the continent’s musical past via cutting-edge technology, one message resonated clearly: Africa’s heritage is not silent – it lives through rhythm, voice and memory.
* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Coordinator. Library and Information Services
Publish date: 2025-10-29 00:00:00.0
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