Imikhokha Yokubonga: Uncover what awaits you

“Imikhokha Yokubonga” unfolds as a captivating artistic collaboration between Dr. Nduduzo Makhathini, a celebrated afro-jazz icon, and the contemporary expressionist Greatjoy Ndlovu. The joint art exhibit and jazz premiere, hosted at Untitled Basement in Johannesburg, delves into the enigma of how a thankful spirit unlocks doors, paving potent pathways to liberation.

Nduduzo Makhathini performing with Zoe Modiga at the Night of Great Joy event.

The harmonious blend of Nduduzo’s enchanting music and the mesmerizing pull of Greatjoy’s artworks illuminate the concept of gratitude with a tangible freshness and allure.
In these works, gratitude transcends and eclipses notions of scarcity, heartily celebrating every minor triumph while propelling the striver with optimistic projections of a bright future.
The mind's attention is directed to the present and reconciled with past and present circumstances.

The soul savors the contentment of relishing what has already been acquired.By anchoring attention in the present, the mind motivates itself to discern the blessings embedded in each passing moment, thereby carving more doors for the grateful striver to explore.

As the old book sums up:
"For everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
~ Matthew 25: 29

The Ballads

Dr. Makhathini’s captivating sound, paired with his endearing yet mystical lyrical prowess, weaves a narrative that underscores a singular theme: peace, contentment, gratitude, and joy dissipate in the shadows of ingratitude. The premiere encapsulates the idea that ingratitude not only takes but also stifles one’s existing treasures, casting a shadow on their perceived value and dampening the spirits of those engaged with them.
The music resonates with the idea that loss and ingratitude are intertwined, leading the ungrateful towards alienation after having fostered envy that sparks disruptive behavior within the collective.

The Paintings

In this collection, Greatjoy contemplates the tangible expressions of the elusive states of gratitude and ingratitude. The artist delves into the visual representation of these states, exploring their origin, implications, and impact on individual lives. Through expressive paintings, Greatjoy traces how trails of gratitude and ingratitude visually manifest and influence one’s foreseeable future.

The collection spans different types of abstracted figurative pieces, illustrating these physical manifestations from their inception at the source to how they ultimately bring about markedly different outcomes, profoundly shaping a person’s future state.

The Composition: Gratitude as Currency

The creative collaboration sheds light on gratitude as the divine currency that transacts the mental real estate necessary for focusing on what truly matters. Gratefulness furnishes the headspace one utilizes on the forward path, granting the aspirant greater latitude to acquire more meaningful and fitting things.

The duo posits that when the mind is immersed in gratitude for life's generous provisions, ‘Being’ is compelled to reciprocate our cheerful and expectant attitude by bestowing upon us some of the most valuable treasures known to mankind.

Click here to reserve your tickets