ANNUAL AFRICAN CULTURAL CALABASH

University of KwaZulu-Natal Centenary Celebration. (updated press release)

Under the directorship of Dr. Patricia Opondo, The African Music Outreach: Community Development class of 2010 in the School of Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, celebrates the annual Cultural Calabash. This year’s edition marks the 14th year since the establishment of the African Music and Dance Programme at the University. 2010 marks both the 5th edition of the student-mounted Cultural Calabash, which coincides with the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centenary Celebrations.

This event aims to display and exhibit diverse music and dance cultures found within the African continent. The theme for this year’s concert is Ukubungazwa kwa Masiko kuBantu meaning, “Celebrating Culture with People.” The concert will feature Buya Afrika presenting traditional Zulu dance; Tswana Cultural Group comprising UKZN students; Durban-based Amani Band originally from Congo (DRC); Feet Across Earth dance company’s Sanusha Govender presenting Indian dance, iZakithi Maskandi Group; iGugulesizwe one of the leading KZN youth groups as the headliners of the event; African Music and Dance Students presenting a programme including isicathamiya, a marimba band, and traditional Congolese dance and drumming.

IGugulesizwe group was established in 2005 in uMlazi Durban consisting of vibrant boys and girls. This group has been successful as performed in UK, The Durban Playhouse, and ICC as well as Moses Mabhida stadium during FIFA 2010 World Cup. They will perform ngoma dance and amahubo (singing).

Amani Band has been around for the past three years. Their repertoire includes Afro-Jazz, Rumba, kwasa-kwasa and Salsa to mention a few. They have performed in places like the Bat Centre, Moyo, Suncoast Casino and many other places.

Botswana Student Society Dance Group based at UKZN, presents Botswana’s rich cultural music and dance and will perform their trade mark Setapa music and dance. They are well known for their exuberant and energetic dance moves and have performed widely in Durban.

Cultural Calabash aims to offer a unique and exciting experience of the African continent. There will be a chance to sample cuisine including seswaa (pounded meat) and morogo from Botswana; aMadumbe from KZN, Breyani from Kenya, Samusa from India to mention a few. This will take place during the intermission.

Cultural Calabash takes place on October 16 at 19h00 at the Howard College Theatre, UKZN Howard College Campus. Tickets R50 (R40 for students with ID) – for both concert and cuisine function. More information from Mbongiseni on 076 166 0031 or email: magags@webmail.co.za