There are few cultural forces as transformative as Motown.
More than a record label, Motown became a movement — a declaration that Black-owned creativity could transcend race, geography and generation. It amplified Black voices at a time when the world needed to hear them most. It reshaped global popular culture. It created a soundtrack for change.
This Black History Month, Joburg Theatre honours that legacy with AN ODE TO MOTOWN, a powerful live production that does more than revisit classic hits — it celebrates Black excellence, resilience and vision.
A Cultural Movement Born in Hitsville U.S.A.
Presented as part of the Black History Month Celebration 2026, AN ODE TO MOTOWN invites audiences into the heartbeat of musical history. The production pays tribute to the bold vision of Berry Gordy and the birth of Motown Records in Detroit’s iconic Hitsville U.S.A.
From a modest house on West Grand Boulevard, a dream was born — one that would forever change the sound of the world.
The production traces the extraordinary journey of the songwriters and performers who were given space to dream, create and redefine popular music. From classic R&B to soul, the show celebrates songs that echoed the struggles, joys and aspirations of their time — melodies that became the voice of a generation.
These are songs of love found and lost. Of hope reborn. Of resilience and possibility.
And their influence did not end in the 20th century. AN ODE TO MOTOWN explores the continuum of the Motown sound and its impact on 21st-century music and contemporary celebrations.
A Theatrical Experience, Not Just a Concert
This is not a jukebox recital of old favourites. It is a rich collage of live music, storytelling and movement that honours Motown as a cultural portal — one that connected people to their dreams and transformed popular culture forever.
The production is directed by James Ngcobo, with dynamic choreography by Lulu Mlangeni and musical direction by Margaret Motsage.
A stellar live band brings the iconic Motown sound to life:
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Mpho Kodisang on piano
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Earl Joseph Baartman on bass
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Urbano Bay Nobela on guitar
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Tshepa Diale on drums
The cast features powerhouse performers:
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Liesl Penniken
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Lerato Mvelase
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Tamara Dey
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Hlengiwe Pearl
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Anele Precious Mthethwa
A special guest music group — no stranger to the Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre — will also make an appearance.
Together, they deliver soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence that promise to transport audiences across decades.
Celebrating Black Excellence
In staging AN ODE TO MOTOWN during Black History Month, Joburg Theatre affirms its commitment to celebrating Black excellence, cultural memory and legacy.
Motown proved that Black storytelling could shape global culture. It proved that creativity rooted in authenticity could travel across borders and into history books.
AN ODE TO MOTOWN carries that spirit forward — reminding audiences that music is not just entertainment. It is archive. It is protest. It is joy. It is inheritance.
Whether you grew up on Motown classics or are discovering them for the first time, this production offers a powerful reminder that dreams — when nurtured — can echo for generations.
Performance Details
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Friday, 20 February – Final Dress Rehearsal
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Saturday, 21 February 2026 – 15:00 & 19:00 (Previews)
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Sunday, 22 February 2026 – 15:00 (Opening Performance)
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Wednesday, 25 February 2026 – 19:30
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Thursday, 26 February 2026 – 19:30
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Friday, 27 February 2026 – 19:30
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Saturday, 28 February 2026 – 15:00
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Sunday, 1 March 2026 – 15:00
Tickets:
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Previews from R150
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Other performances R200 – R450
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20% discount for groups of 10 or more
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15% discount for families and pensioners
Book now: https://www.joburgtheatre.com/an-ode-to-motown/
Come relive the soundtrack of generations.
Come celebrate the dream.
AN ODE TO MOTOWN — where history sings.
