Eon The Mod Kicks Off ‘Make Ubuntu Great Again Tour’ in Johannesburg
Johannesburg – This weekend, the city will host an extraordinary evening filled with poetry, electronic sound, and cultural richness.
Eon The Mod, the French/South African electric poetry group led by spoken word artist and renowned Poetry Slam champion Ewok, will make their inaugural appearance at the Collectors’ Collective Record Bar (CCRB) on Friday, 22 May 2026, as part of the concluding segment of the “Make UBUNTU Great Again Tour” (MUGA Tour).
Organized by 9II5, a prominent curated music event initiative, the evening promises an immersive, Bohemian-inspired ambiance emphasizing sound quality, intimacy, and authentic creative energy.
At the core of the MUGA Tour is Ewok, whose compelling and socially conscious poetry is inspired by the rhythms of real-life experiences and the urgent dynamics of a shifting world.
His evocative words meld with the improvised electronic soundscapes crafted by French modular musician and composer Charles Amblard, with the sonic foundation artfully enhanced by sound designer and engineer Vincent Hoppe.
This trio brings over 30 years of combined performance experience, having graced stages ranging from intimate theaters to major festivals.
The Make UBUNTU Great Again Tour marks the first time this unique project will perform on South African soil, with Johannesburg being its final destination.
Ewok shared his excitement about the upcoming show: “It’s been quite a week with Charles and Vincent diving right into band rehearsals.
“We’re coming out sharp.
“There comes a moment when you must recognize that you’ve done your best and let it unfold as it will.
“This is that moment. Here we go, here you come, there it is.”
The MUGA Tour is deeply embedded in the band’s conscious, socio-political vision, asserting that art is a vital component of the global push for eco-social justice.
9II5 has designed the Johannesburg event as a poetry jam session in an intimate lounge setting, featuring couch seating, soft lighting, greenery, rugs, and wall art, creating an environment that prioritizes sound quality over volume and connection over spectacle.
The supporting lineup has been carefully curated to complement every aspect of Eon The Mod’s performance. Featured acts include:
Funkedelik:
KZN-born, JHB-based DJ Sithembile Mbonyana will set the tone for the night with neo-classic soul and lo-fi beats, establishing a warm and fluid foundation.
Mak Manaka:
Soweto-born poet and world traveler Maakomele R. Manaka will showcase an exhilarating slam poetry performance.
A four-time published poet, he has shared the stage with presidents and represented South Africa during the closing ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Freshly Pressed White Tees:
PJ & Plonk will deliver a live electronic show that intertwines music and storytelling.
Xabiso, God & YU:
Award-winning poet Xabiso Vili, alongside guitarist Zelizwe Mthembu (The Brother Moves On), will fuse spoken word with blues-infused guitar, turning poetry into music and music into prayer.
9II5 Soundsystem (RobthaBanka): 9II5’s resident selector keeps the vibes flowing between sets, uniting the evening.
About 9II5
For over 16 years, 9II5 has curated music events aimed at the working-class urban audience, activating spaces that resonate with authentic cultural vibrancy.
The JHB leg of the MUGA Tour is presented and managed by 9II5.
About Eon the Mod
Eon The Mod is a three-member electronic act that harmonizes the spoken word of South African slam champion Ewok, the modular sound design of Charles Amblard, and the engineering prowess of Vincent Hoppe.
Their latest album, “25 Lìve,” was released in December 2025.
MUGA Tour updates: facebook.com/events/1257208619667561
Eon The Mod links: linktr.ee/eonthemod
Event Listing
Date: Friday 22 May 2026
Time: 19:00
Venue: Collectors’ Collective Record Bar, Johannesburg
Tickets: R150 Pre-sale | R200 Door
Ticket Link: quicket.co.za/events/373752-eon-the-mod-x-9ii5-jhb/
