10TH DURBAN HIGH SCHOOLS ISICATHAMIYA FESTIVAL

Durban Black Drifters notch up another successful choir festival competition.

Durban Black Drifters will host its 10th annual choir festival on May 13 in the Playhouse Opera when 60 choirs from Durban townships and surrounding areas will compete in this award-winning, vibrant, energetic and youth-based music competition. Cash prizes, trophies, certificates, computers and giveaways on offer

The event aims to preserve, promote and develop isicathamiya at grassroot level. Started 10 years ago by Durban Black Drifters artistic director Chris Ntuli, the show has grown through leaps and bounds and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in style with champagne, cake, music, song and dance.

For over the past ten years, Durban Black Drifters have been involved in teaching Isicathamiya in townships, urban and rural schools. It is the only isicathamiya group that teaches isicathamiya at school level, encouraging schools to create their own groups which will eventually reach a high enough level to enter the competition. Led by singer, composer, producer and Nkandla-born Chris Ntuli, Drifters have toured overseas in France, Belgium, China, Norway, Japan, Canada and the USA.

Chris Ntuli has been involved in the music industry for almost 30 years, and has worked and recorded with top artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, both late Jabu Khanyile and Sipho Gumede, Madala Kunene, Busi Mhlongo and Aerto Moreira (Brazil). Their last album entitled Obababethu was nominated for SAMA awards in 2008. After this event, the group will head for the recording studio to produce their fifth album entitled Ushaka before jetting off to the USA in August. Ntuli has also initiated, recorded and produced the first Isicathamiya compilation album featuring 13 popular and veteran Durban-based Isicathamiya groups.

Popular Ukhozi FM DJ and Sabc Sports presenter Joe Hudla will compere the Durban High Schools Isicathamiya Festival for the third time. Veteran Isicathamiya groups Zulu Messengers and NBA Champions will entertain the audience while Eric “Coolfire” Hadebe will re-kindle ancestors with burning of traditional incense (impepho) at the opening of the show. Guitarist Madala Kunene will entertain in the interim of this Isicathamiya showcase.

Other top names invited to this prestigious music experience are Joseph Shabalala of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Paul Mfuphi of SATMA, Prof Pitika Ntuli and Prof Cosbie Mbhele, Dr Vera Dubin, Themba Mkhize, Vusi Mkhize and Caroline Smart, to name but a few.

The 10th Caltex Isicathamiya High Schools Choir Competition is sponsored by Chevron.SA, organised and managed by DBD Entertainment. The show starts at 10h00 sharp and entrance is free. Dress smart casual or traditional. No weapons, bottles and nonsense allowed. For more information, call 073 301 6740.