Webinar Series: A Time For Social Transformation & Movement Building

An online series looking at how COVID-19 has revealed certain aspects from the past, how to adapt and implement new ways for a better, more globally unified humanity. Each session will deal which a different topic including: those marginalised, arts & cultural activities, heritage, education and healthcare & well-being. Follow contact details above for upcoming dates and details

Creative healing workshop

This is an inspirational workshop or series of sessions where invited artists of Rahasia Mafiusia NPO share their personal journeys through story and poetry with experiences of abuse and struggle. We create a safe space for sharing and a path for healing. We find that through the creative elements it becomes a powerful space for healing and transformation as often the expression through art is cathartic and the participants are so moved through the process; feeling comfortable to also share. Abuse, struggle and healing are experienced in various ways so even if we have not personally had the same struggle it taps into our compassion and strife to overcome difficulty in life as human beings.

With the diverse backgrounds and creative tools that Rahasia Mafiusa offers (e.g. visual arts, poetry, movement, performance, spoken word), we tour across communities,including Salt River, to find the similarities and provide nurturing support in these workshops. Sometimes, people can have a mis-preconception about others or even just not had the access to such spaces, so in a society still very much segregated and plagued with social issues, this has shown to be a need and fulfilling a dire need within our communities and society as a whole.

Monthly Lyrical Pilgrimage Open Mic

The intention behind these monthly Open Mic sessions is to present an appropriate space for poets, spoken word, storytellers and sound artists on a spiritual journey. By offering an alternative to the current Open Mic nights in bars and clubs, we hope to create a new platform particularly revealing Muslim and other spiritual seeking talent to instigate a new movement to conscious expression. This is a critical niche and need within the community and society in general. Currently, Muslim and other spiritual artists either share exclusively only in homes and religious settings, not at all (particularly the case for women) and some brave the arenas that cater activities averse to their beliefs but leave them prone to them.

Islam as well as Khoekhoe, San and many cultures we find in Cape Town are based on an oral tradition. Before the revelation came, the Arabs had a strong tradition of poetry. Poetry was something that was imbedded in the culture and Poets had a very high status in the society to the point where they would hang different poems in the Kaabah and have competitions between the Poets. The winner of the competition would have their poetry hung inside the Kaaba itself. Poetry was something that was never frowned upon by the Prophet sallallahualaihiwasallam rather; He encouraged it after the revelation came.

In Arabic a poet is called a shaeir. It is also the same word used for to notice, to sense or to perceive something. So the Shaeir is really the one who is sensing things. He or she is coming to know things and is expressing what he/ she is sensing in that poetry. The Arabs have an idiom when they say all good is in two things; a house that has poetry in it and a house that is made out of hair. One can have a tent made of hair inside and this is the best type of tent that one can have!

So there is this meaning of sensations. Thus the poet is the one that senses the world around him/her and relates those senses to everyone else.

This will support several of Rahasia Mafiusa NPO’s objectives:

·      The aim is to bridge the gap between segregated communities using arts and culture.

·      Promote the Universal self so that people can connect on the spiritual human being between one another.

·      Repeal the conditioning of traditional views about their ancestral and cultural heritage to a perception that is a more accurate and true image.

·      Prevent loss of cultural heritage from onslaught of globalisation, modernisation and its effect on cultural ancient heritage and tradition.

·      Create professional platforms for Muslim Artists. For example, theatre, live concerts, art productions and open poetry spoken word events.

Previously, the sessions were at Whip’d in the area of Salt River and have temporarily moved to a private online platform which still enables the safe space whilst engaging in a more global platform mainly between South Africans, Indonesians, Malaysians and British. If you would like to join or simply watch to see what it is all about Whatsapp: +27820719414 and follow Facebook page Lyrical Pilgrimage Open Mic.

Lyrical Pilgrimage Travels Talk Show (TV and radio)

Revealing sacred journeys through creative expression.

For the conscious, spiritual, truth seekers who appreciate heritage and traditions looking for a platform to share their art or appreciate others. This is a unique nurturing initiative that values art with meaning and substance so that healing, growth, upliftment and celebration of culture can take place to protect heritages from extinction. Lyrical Pilgrimage sets the bar for high quality refined arts that has been developing a network of artists from across South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia since 2016; performing live in person and virtually between the nations. Experience the powerful and unique nature of unity through sincerity!

Sponsorship opportunities on VOC, CTV and online.

Inter-community Traditional Indonesian Dance classes

Indonesia represents a harmony, tolerance, acceptance and unity formed through the arts in spite of their great cultural diversity. Due to the fact that no one will have much knowledge of these beautiful majestic dances, it will mean all students will learn, strive, struggle, laugh and feel the joy in the project together! Thus breaking down stereotypes through performing to diverse audiences, be a powerful example for change and what greatness is possible through working together. This can then inspire social change and nurture future leaders for the society as a whole through working with people from all backgrounds based on traditional cultures.

There are more than 700 ethnic groups in Indonesia: Austronesian roots and Melanesian tribal forms are visible in Indonesian dance reflecting the country's diversity of ethnicities and cultures, and influences ranging from neighbouring Asian and even western styles through colonization with each ethnic group having their own dances.

The proposed project will start with the teachings of traditional Minang rantau and darek Melayu dances from West Sumatra which is a Muslim Matriarchal society as a foundation and then the other forms of traditional dances including the famous Balinese as well as various cultures in Java and Sumatra.

Traditional Indonesian music project

Target group1: Adult musicians from varied backgrounds

Target group 2: Secondary School children of Indonesian descent

I will be teaching Telempong pacik, Gandang Sarunai and traditional Dendang Minang Darek Singing. These styles are community and teamwork based because this type of telempong is played as a group and the drum is in a pair. Therefore, this music project will be used as a tool to bring musicians together from varied backgrounds. Also, this style of singing uses very special and unique techniques specific to this region. It will instil values of patience, cooperation, dedication and new pathways of learning. It is an effective tool because the interlocking melodies of the will require full attention to articulate harmoniously. The aim is that this group of adults will be example role models that reflect the adat (adab) characteristics of the Minangkabau culture and have the ability to perform live to social, political and cultural gatherings. They will reflect the voices of positive change through uniting the fabric of people in the nation through this music.

The second group is to relinquish the link between youth of Indonesian descent to their ancestors. This will be an opportunity to educate those that have interest to these aspects that connect the nations through history but there has been a missing link. Social media and quick gratification by this means is having such an effect on young minds, that this art form will teach qualities of patience, persistence, new ways of thinking and personal re-connectivity to those physically around them. It will be a fun extracurricular activity to bring a sense dynamic optimism to a place that is plagued with ganstarism. Students will also naturally learn about the language, philosophies and lifestyle in West Sumatra to regain a sense of identity. It is hoped in the future there will be the opportunity for the participants to meet Minangkabau musicians, watch them perform and have workshops.

Traditional Indonesian Fine Art Craft Training

Social cohesion to reduce Xenophobia. Collaboration with Liliane Mukidi from DRC with foreign nationals and South Africans where each can celebrate their cultural arts and philosophies through the batik technique skills as well as life skills and entrepreneurialism. The shadow puppet making skills will be between segregated areas and peoples for social, self- expression and work empowerment.

The focus of these crafts is to educate participants to the fine art skills of traditional Batik and Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) making from the culture of Java. These art forms are each steeped in a depth of meanings and knowledge. The history and information about the theory and uses behind these traditional Indonesian arts will be shared first and then the technical skills. Indonesian philosophies in arts and culture will have a positive impact for social change in South Africa. The unity and tolerance proclaimed by the pancasila, everyday hospitable nature between hundreds of tribes and the use of art to bring people together and spread good morals are all aspects of Indonesia that will be shared to inspire the South African nation.

This will be an opportunity to initially express creativity in a new way to meet RM objective one “Raise awareness about Indonesian Arts and Culture to establish a new link to ancestral and historical past for all South Africans, ascertaining bonds between Indonesia and South Africa.”

These projects will work towards our vision to bridge the gap between segregated communities as a result of Apartheid. This is because everyone will be learning something new together it will bring a sense of companionship and unity in educational journey using the arts as a tool to bring people from different cultures together and exposure to Indonesian culture. Thus this will also meet RM objective four “Use a variety of art forms as a unifying factor between segregated communities.”

As a consequence, this experience offers avenues for entrepreneurism and new creative business ventures in a country where there is a very high unemployment rate (overall 26.7%, youth 51.1%).

From Darkness To Light annual event on 5th December

Celebrating Conquerors of Domestic Abuse on Mandela’s memorial.

Be a part of making history for the better in this yearly gathering. I call on you, your friends and family to celebrate a new type of event commemorating the day, 5th December 2013, which Mandela passed away as a catalyst for positive change. This annual event is to celebrate survivors of abuse and reignite the dream future that Mandela and other national heroes, like Sudirman in Indonesia, embodied. It is a perfect time for us all to remember what named or unnamed people fought for, for South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia and all over the world; in the land and beyond borders and oceans. This year it has grown to include voices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, as well as Cape Town, Malaysia, USA and across Indonesia!

This evening is to inspire not to give up hope or lose sight of dreams but still fight on for the better potential within all of us and our communities. In light there is an element of darkness and in the darkness there will always be light, no matter how dim it seems. It’s about sharing the tools of our healing journeys from various perspectives on reflection of truths to provide empowerment, unity and a sense of togetherness.

Back Story

“5th December 2013 marks a very significant date in my life. It was the day I decided, if not forced, to leave the man I loved with all my heart and felt connected to as my soul mate. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Sitting in the waiting room to file a protection order against my husband as an alternative to attempted murder fresh with the memory of looking into his eyes as he almost strangled me to death because he wanted me to stop praying fajr, was nothing short of heart wrenching and confusing. The process was traumatising too with the labels of judgment, stereotyping and mis-management. As I sat there still wondering if I was doing the right thing the newspaper opened to reveal that Mandela had passed away. For me in that instant moment it was a sign that I was exactly precisely where I was supposed to be, even if still a long struggle and walk to freedom. I have an infinity with the land that instantly told me I arrived home and the only place I get home sick from. This is where my heart is.” Nina Alexia Brazzo