South African grassroots heroes to perform music of apartheid

Mbaqanga, the homemade “dumpling” music of South African townships under apartheid, will take the stage at the Wisconsin Union Theater on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The Mahotella Queens, one of South Africa’s longest-running musical groups, began when workers of many ethnic derivations would gather in public halls to express the oppression under the old regime, using whatever instruments were available. Today, the Mahotella Queens have a dual mission of celebrating the positive changes in their country and pointing out the work that remains, including a rising tide of violence and slow change in women’s rights.

Curtain is at 8 p.m. Tickets: 262-2201