What is our idea?

Speak with Music is an installation of photography and music that brings together the worlds of 100 strangers, all speaking in different tongues; voices from all over the world, from different backgrounds and with different ideas... This installation brings all those voices together, translating them into the one universal language of music. The project starts off which each of the 100 'subjects' photographing their worlds, with each of these photographs speaking to the DJ (acting as translator) in a foreign, yet familiar, language. From this point forward, it is the DJ who will, through the compilation of a unique mixed CD, translate the 'subject's' message into the universal language of music. Apart from showcasing the photographs taken by each of the 100 participants, the installation will also include pictures of each of the subjects' ears - each similar in shape, yet undeniably unique. In the same way each of us can relate to a universal language, a universe understanding while being intrinsically unique.

To further demonstrate the scope and integrity of the project, the sample group of 100 participants will come from all over the world, with, for logistical reasons, with 20% of the group being international, and 80% from the Southern African region. The sample group will also include at least one participant from each of the commonwealth countries.

In which way is the project innovative

Probably the most innovative aspect of this project is its challenging of a popular mindset in its country of origin (South Africa). Speak with Music challenges the idea of what exactly a DJ's role is. Using a post-modernist approach, the entire process of creating this installation, will prove that a DJ is, in fact, a musician, rather than a mere conduit. We will take the DJ out of the club setting, into an intimate space where he will conduct 100 personal orchestras for 100 perfect strangers. He will be taking each of the 100 visual personal accounts of the strangers' worlds, and translating them into musical imagery. Through this universal language - music - the DJ will converse intimately with each of his subjects. And each of his 'conversations' will be mixed live, and enhanced using cross-overs, effects units and other mixing tools, with his subjects' photographs as his inspiration and stimuli.

Why do we want to do this?

Because DJs in our country of origin (South Africa) are generally not viewed as musicians, and are generally just employed to 'fill gaps in musical programmes', we will use this installation to challenge that mindset, and to show that DJs are musicians who, instead of lacing together single notes and chords to create compositions, lace whole songs, beats and effects together to create a composition as long as the set the DJ is playing. Essentially, the DJ has the skill to use the 'words' (in this case songs) of composers to create something of his own. More importantly, through SPEAK WITH MUSIC, we will be reflecting music from an African perspective, although the influence has come from all over the world.

How does the project relate to the theme of the festival, Empire Games?

In an empire, subjects come from far and wide, having had varied experiences and social upbringing. It is the emperor who communicates to his subjects in a tongue they can understand. This contributes to the harmony, and smooth running of his empire. And so too, in a game, harmony and understanding needs to exist for the game to run smoothly. In a way SPEAK WITH MUSIC is a game of catch, where the subjects throw visual interpretations of each of their world to their emperor (DJ) who, as translator, 'throws' it back in a way that everyone can understand. Similarly, when the emperor speaks, it must be in a language that all of his subjects (with their varied backgrounds) can all understand - in this case, music. When one deconstructs the idea of an empire, it is clear that an emperor is nothing without his subjects. Similarly, the DJ is nothing without those he is playing for. Similarly, this project cannot exist without its participants. This is also why we will be including a part of each of them in the exhibition - in this case, a photograph of each of their ears. In the empire that we're creating with this installation, the DJ is the emperor, controlling, yet not inflicting... in a way, directing his subjects toward similar emotion.

When André returns from Oz, there'll be opportunity for more people to get involved in SPEAK WITH MUSIC. As they say... watch this space.