Eon The Mod Kicks Off ‘Make Ubuntu Great Again Tour’ in Johannesburg
Johannesburg – This weekend, the city will experience an enchanting evening filled with poetry, electronic sounds, and cultural energy.
Eon The Mod, the French/South African electric poetry ensemble led by renowned spoken word artist and Poetry Slam champion Ewok, will make their debut at the Collectors’ Collective Record Bar (CCRB) on Friday, 22 May 2026, as part of the final segment of the “Make UBUNTU Great Again Tour” (MUGA Tour).
Organized by 9II5, a celebrated music event initiative, the evening promises an immersive, Bohemian-inspired vibe focusing on high sound quality, intimacy, and authentic creative energy.
At the core of the MUGA Tour is Ewok, whose poetry is not only captivating but also socially conscious, drawing inspiration from the nuances of real-life experiences and the urgent issues of a transforming world.
His expressive words harmonize beautifully with the improvised electronic soundscapes crafted by French modular musician and composer Charles Amblard, while sound designer and engineer Vincent Hoppe expertly enhances the sonic foundation.
This three-member ensemble brings over 30 years of combined performance experience, having graced stages from intimate venues to major festivals.
The Make UBUNTU Great Again Tour marks the first time this distinctive project will perform in South Africa, with Johannesburg serving as its concluding destination.
Ewok expressed his excitement about the forthcoming show: “It’s been an exhilarating week with Charles and Vincent hopping straight into rehearsals.
“We’re ready to shine.
“At some point, you must acknowledge that you’ve given your all and let things unfold as they will.
“This is that moment. Here we go, here you come, there it is.”
The MUGA Tour is deeply anchored in the band’s conscious, socio-political vision, promoting art as a vital component of the global movement for eco-social justice.
9II5 has curated the Johannesburg event as a poetry jam session in an inviting lounge atmosphere, featuring cozy seating, ambient lighting, lush greenery, decorative rugs, and wall art, creating an environment that prioritizes sound quality over volume and connection over spectacle.
The supporting lineup has been carefully selected to complement every facet of Eon The Mod’s performance. Featured acts include:
Funkedelik:
KZN-born, JHB-based DJ Sithembile Mbonyana will open the night with neo-classic soul and lo-fi beats, setting a warm, fluid foundation.
Mak Manaka:
Soweto-born poet and globe-trotter Maakomele R. Manaka will deliver a thrilling slam poetry performance.
A four-time published poet, he has shared the stage with Presidents and represented South Africa at the closing ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Freshly Pressed White Tees:
PJ & Plonk will perform a live electronic set that seamlessly weaves music with storytelling.
Xabiso, God & YU:
Award-winning poet Xabiso Vili, alongside guitarist Zelizwe Mthembu (The Brother Moves On), will blend spoken word with blues-infused guitar, transforming poetry into music and music into a profound experience.
9II5 Soundsystem (RobthaBanka): 9II5’s resident selector will keep the energy high between acts, unifying the night.
About 9II5
For over 16 years, 9II5 has organized music events catered to the working-class urban audience, activating spaces that resonate with genuine cultural vibrance.
The Johannesburg segment of the MUGA Tour is presented and managed by 9II5.
About Eon the Mod
Eon The Mod is a trio that fuses the spoken word of South African slam champion Ewok, the modular sound design of Charles Amblard, and the technical expertise of Vincent Hoppe.
Their latest album, “25 Lìve,” was unveiled 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/