‘Old Righteous Blues’ Hits Right Notes in Portrayal of Fractured Cape Malay Community Coming Together

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20 years after a fierce rivalry splits a closely-bonded Cape Malay community, the shadows of yesteryears may engulf an upcoming generation in Muneera Sallies’ “Old Righteous Blues,” a tale that revolves around music, kinship, and reconciliation within the vibrant atmosphere of Christmas choir groups in South Africa’s Western Cape area.

This week at the Joburg Film Festival, you’ll find a movie that South Africa submitted for consideration in the category of best international feature film at the 97th Academy Awards. Titled “Hantjie Jansen’s Dream,” it follows Ayden Croy as he portrays Hantjie Jansen, an eager young musician striving to revive his town’s once-famous Christmas choir band, the Old Righteous Blues. Torn apart by a violent power struggle, the band and the community it united no longer resemble their former selves. Hantjie’s dream is to restore them to their past glory.

The film is deeply connected to the musical heritage of the rural Colored communities’ unique “kerskoors,” which are typically found in the Western Cape. These ensembles consist of a marching band with both brass and string instruments, and they are often accompanied by a group of cadets performing military-style maneuvers. Across the region, these “kerskoors” are a source of immense pride, reflecting the creative ways some communities adapted during the challenging times of apartheid.

Salies shared with EbMaster that the communities were being broken apart. There was a strong sense of unease hanging in the air. She expressed that these communities deeply felt the need for an outlet, a unifying force…something to bind them together and provide a reason for celebration.

In the Boland area of Western Cape, each town establishes its own “kerskoor” (Christmas choir) to symbolize their community during regional contests. The song “Old Righteous Blues,” penned by Carol Shore, is inspired by a real-life Christmas choir group hailing from Bo-Dorp, a hilltop settlement overlooking the picturesque vineyards of Robertson.

The movie depicts the storyline with an initial fierce battle for control of the main choir, called kerskoor, causing sections of the town to become dangerous territories as warring factions arise among families. This conflict also affects the band, resulting in a breakaway group led by Hantjie’s father. Twenty years later, following his demise, Hantjie is set to take over his father’s position as the highly respected Drum Major. However, he encounters a rival seizing that role instead, triggering “Old Righteous Blues” – a tale about Hantjie’s efforts to reclaim what he believes should be his due and mend the rifts of yesteryears to unite his fractured community once more.

According to Sallies, the movie embodies the sense of community, camaraderie, and family spirit. It also honors the residents of Bo-Dorp, who played a significant role in the movie’s creation from the very beginning.

She emphasized that it was crucial for both the elders of the community and the key figures in the industry to endorse the project,” she notes. Many people whom the filmmakers interacted with during their stay in Bo-Dorp were relatives of the real-life figures depicted in the movie, and the production of “Old Righteous Blues” was a collective endeavor. Some locals were employed as set technicians and assistants, while others supplied security, catering, and ensured that no outside background actors were needed.

As a filmmaker, Salie emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every location we work in is improved upon after our departure, she states.

The movie also honors the resilience of a community. Despite Bo-Dorp being situated on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Robertson’s vineyards, the nearby communities are starkly different, as the director points out. “Robertson is rich with its vineyards and scenic beauty, but it’s also known for its wines,” she explains. On the other hand, Bo-Dorp – a small, secluded community struggling with poverty and various social issues – appears to be a nearly forgotten place that seems stuck in time.

Growing up in the vibrant Malay enclave of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, I found an immediate kinship with the folks of Bo-Dorp. Despite their hardships and struggles, there’s an undeniable life force that pulsates through this community, making it truly remarkable. These are some of the kindest, most generous individuals you’ll ever meet.

We aimed to convey this essence – that even after enduring numerous hardships, such as poverty and scarcity, what truly matters for them is their bond with one another.

The Joburg Film Festival runs March 11 – 16.

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2025-03-11 16:46