Johannesburg – This weekend, the city will experience a distinctive evening filled with poetry, electronic sounds, and vibrant culture.
Eon The Mod, a French/South African electric poetry ensemble fronted by spoken word artist and Poetry Slam champion Ewok, is set to debut 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).
Hosted by 9II5, a well-known curated music event initiative, the night promises an immersive Bohemian-inspired atmosphere that emphasizes sound quality, intimacy, and genuine creative energy.
Ewok, the heart of the MUGA Tour, delivers socially conscious poetry influenced by the rhythms of real-life experiences and the pressing dynamics of a rapidly changing world.
His powerful words intertwine with the improvised electronic soundscapes crafted by French modular musician and composer Charles Amblard, further enhanced by sound designer and engineer Vincent Hoppe.
This trio carries more than 30 years of combined performance experience, having graced stages ranging from cozy theaters to major festivals.
The Make UBUNTU Great Again Tour marks the first time this unique project performs on South African soil, with Johannesburg as its final destination.
Ewok shared his insights about the upcoming show: “It’s been an incredible week with Charles and Vincent diving straight into band rehearsals.
“We’re coming out sharp.
“At some point, you have to 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 grounded in the band’s conscious, socio-political vision, advocating for art as a vital element of the global movement toward eco-social justice.
9II5 has designed the Johannesburg event as a poetry jam in a cozy lounge atmosphere, featuring comfortable seating, ambient lighting, greenery, rugs, and artistic wall decor, creating an environment that prioritizes sound quality over volume and connection over spectacle.
The supporting lineup has been carefully curated to complement 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, establishing a warm and fluid backdrop.
Mak Manaka:
Soweto-born poet and globetrotter Maakomele R. Manaka will deliver an electrifying slam poetry performance.
A four-time published poet, he has taken 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 present a live electronic performance that seamlessly merges music and storytelling.
Xabiso, God & YU:
Award-winning poet Xabiso Vili, alongside guitarist Zelizwe Mthembu (The Brother Moves On), will fuse spoken word with guitar-driven blues, transforming poetry into music and music into prayer.
9II5 Soundsystem (RobthaBanka): 9II5’s resident selector will maintain the energy flow between sets, keeping the vibe alive.
About 9II5
For over 16 years, 9II5 has curated music events tailored for the working-class urban audience, energizing 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 merges the spoken word of South African slam champion Ewok, the modular sound design of Charles Amblard, and the engineering expertise 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/
