“Burn from the Inside” is not your typical narrative work. It delves into the exploration of music and its origins, examining why we have an innate desire to dance or move when we hear music, sound, or voices. It seeks to understand the essence of what triggers our movements and the emotional responses evoked by music – Mthuthuzeli November. 

The profound question arises: why do certain things compel us to jump up and dance, while others make us want to sit back and do the opposite? The most significant realisation in this exploration is that from the very beginning, we were destined to be moved by sounds.

Consider the musicality present in the way we speak. Every language has its own unique cadence and rhythm. For instance, the Khoi people of South Africa employ clicking sounds in their speech, creating a rhythmic quality. Even before externalising it, our own bodies possess inherent musicality. We can observe this in the heartbeat and even in the rhythm of our walking. These natural rhythms can transform into music, affirming that our inclination to move has been woven into the fabric of our existence since the dawn of creation.

Reflecting on personal experiences, a childhood memory emerges from the Eastern Cape. Gathered inside a hut, family members would chant while a fire crackled in the sand. The ambiance created by this ritualistic chanting became a favourite lullaby, transporting the young narrator to a state of pure tranquility. In that space, devoid of pain, sadness, or happiness, they found a place of profound stillness. The intention was to preserve the sense of communal togetherness experienced around the fire, a shared moment of deep connection.

In creating “Burn from the Inside” Mthuthuzeli sought to capture this communal feeling through the film’s unique approach. By immersing oneself in the collective experience, viewers have the opportunity to delve into individual journeys and explore the expansiveness of the depicted space. The film aims to evoke a trance-like state, reminiscent of the personal experiences of the creator. The focus shifts from visual imagery to capturing the essence of being in a trance. It becomes an exploration of what it feels like to exist in a space where time and space lose their boundaries, and the driving beat becomes the guiding force. In this boundless expanse, one may question the vastness or confinement of their surroundings and the proximity of others. Solos are portrayed with individuals appearing distant yet close, creating an otherworldly sensation of unity while simultaneously keeping a distance.

The concept of being grounded on Earth while simultaneously transcending it becomes a central theme. It mirrors the imagined realm of an ancestral plane or a space between reality and the afterlife. If one were to encounter their ancestors, it is envisioned as a place that is unfamiliar, yet still connected to Earth. This in-between world, neither fully alive nor dead, allows communication with one’s ancestors. Such a trance-like state embodies a similar feeling—a sense of being aware of one’s earthly existence while simultaneously occupying a realm that defies explanation. Despite feeling the ground beneath their feet, the soil and dust, and hearing their breathing, there exists a profound sense of existing in an entirely different dimension.

About The Music

In his exploration of music, Mthuthuzeli drew inspiration from African dance, recognising the profound impact of percussion and voice in transporting people beyond their ordinary experiences. This ignited his aspiration to create music that could elevate listeners to a different realm, where they could immerse themselves in the rhythm and transcend the boundaries of their surroundings. The essence of this transformative experience lay in the rhythmic breathing and pulsating heartbeat, evoking something deeply personal yet universally shared. Moreover, Mthuthuzeli found inspiration in the communal nature of music, symbolised by gathering around a fire, where stories and melodies were shared. Despite the individual interpretations of the sounds, all participants were transported to a place beyond themselves, blending their unique experiences with a sense of unity and belonging.

Throughout the creative process, Mthuthuzeli realised the pivotal interplay between making music in real-time and responding to it. This symbiotic relationship became integral as the music guided the dancers, while simultaneously being influenced by their movements. Initially, the music was mere potential, with only the tempo and a few sounds providing a foundation for the choreography. In a dynamic and evolving exchange, the dance began to shape the music, blurring the boundaries between the two art forms.

Taking a step back from the project enabled Mthuthuzeli to grasp the unique narratives conveyed by the dancers. It became a captivating exploration of how the music could enrich and harmonise with their stories. In this transformative process, the dance seamlessly intertwined with the music, resulting in a profound fusion where the music adapted organically to the dancers’ expressions and movements. The artistic collaboration transcended individual roles, creating a powerful and unified experience where the boundaries between dance and music dissolved, giving rise to a harmonious relationship.