Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse talks about the legacy of Nelson Mandela and how he influenced his music

The late Mr Nelson Mandela with Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse

You are playing a very special show on 20 April. Can you tell us more about it? Lilieslief performance is a special performance in honour of the men who took it upon themselves to form UMKHONTO WE SIZWE in order to challenge the oppresive military regime of the Nationalist party.It should be remembered that Nelson Mandela remarked that formation of MK was in reaction  to the violent response of the Nationalist party  government to passive resistance.

What does the 50th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s seminal statement delivered from the dock during the Rivonia Trial means to you as a musician? The Rivonia speech on the dock by Nelson Mandela remains a reminder and is a watershed for transformation in South Africa,courage to fight against injustice that as musicians and performers we are guided by this principle of speaking truth to power despite the consequence

Talking about Mr Mandela, what do you think is the legacy that he left behind and how can musicians honour him through music? Never to forget what he stood for,his legacy must be preserved through songs that confront daily experiences of those less privileged.

How has Mr Mandela influenced your musical career and music in general? Through understanding the sacrifice, music all over the world assumed a more responsive approach to the struggle of the African people,I have been inspired by this approach

Can you give us a glimpse into what fans can expect of your show on 20 April? Come and experience the journey!!!!!

Besides your show on 20 April, what else has been keeping you busy? I am a restless soul whose life is an experimental journey with no end in sight,this performance and the Anthems of Democracy from the 24 -27 April  at the Johannesburg Theatre are but a testimony to this journey. I am also studying and also trying to start writing my book, no small task let me assure you .

If there is one of your songs that you can dedicate to the late Mr Mandela, which one would it be, and why? Shikisha. He had confided that when they were on Robben Island, It was one of the songs that kept them drawn to TV, the video interaction of the performers represented the kind of society they all have hope for.