(Amazebra)
March 21
was a day filled with incredible dance talent, amazing energy and colourful
costumes, reports The Playhouse Company in announcing the winners in the seven
Zulu dance categories of the Ingoma Competition held at Curries Fountain.
Some 42
groups participated in this day-long competition, with over 1,700 participants
from all around KZN and beyond. Beautiful, colourful costumes, mighty songs,
and impressive moves were the order of the day, and the capacity crowd were
jubilant in their praise.
Prize
money was awarded as follows: The winning group in each category won R8,000; the
second prize awarded was R6,000; and the third prize was R4,000. Consolation
prizes for the remaining three groups in each of the six categories were
awarded R1,200 each. Total prize money amounted to R129,600, and trophies worth
over R17,000 and certificates were presented to the groups placed in first,
second and third place in each category.
The
winning groups in the seven Zulu dance categories were as follows:
ISIGEKLE
Winners:
Izigi zabafazi; Second place: Buhle bomkhambathi; Third place: Asakhe
This
dance is performed by women, preferably married women. It was an alternative to
Amahubo, which was performed by men when they were chanting to the ancestors in
the kraal. Women were not allowed to be part of Amahubo, so they created their
own dance, isigekle. It is performed in different ceremonies by women,
including weddings. The dance is accompanied by a group of young singers who
sing, clap and beat the drums. The dancers do not raise their feet too high to
show respect. The women wear Isicholo (head gear) and isidwaba (traditional
skirts), and they carry small shields and knobkerries. Each group has a
specific theme and colour scheme to their costumes.
INGOMA
SIKHUZE:
Winners:
Ingwe mnyama; Second place: Amaqhawe; Third place: Iful elimnyama
This
dance is another variation of Ingoma yezinsizwa. This one was originally from
the Umbumbulu region. It became popular after the arrival of the missionaries.
There is a pattern called isifuba which is in the centre. Isifuba consist of
those who are more experienced. It is supported by Isipani who shadow whatever
is done by Isifuba. The costume consists of long thigh-length socks with
stripes. They also wear short skirts. Some wear rugby shorts. The leg is not
raised very high in this dance. The dancers carry shields and traditional
sticks which are also used to create formations. The dance is accompanied by
singers and a lot of hand-clapping (ukukhwahla). There is also igoso which
leads the dance.
USHAMENI:
Winners:
Shikishi; Second place: Amathole amnyama; Third place: Mkholombe indlavini
This
dance is named after the Shameni River in Umsinga in KwaZulu-Natal. The style
was formed during the time when railways were being built in the province. It
is a variation of Ingoma yezinsizwa mixed with Indlamu, but with a regional
flair. Izinqambi were responsible for creating the songs. They also lead the
songs during the dance. Igosa leads the dance. Originally there were no drums
in Isishameni dance. The leg of the dancer is bent during the dance to show the
ankle. The dancers dance in specific line formations, and they stretch their
hands up high during the dance, which is accompanied by singers who clap. The
dancers’ costumes consist of pants and vests or t-shirts because when the dance
first started, the men would use whatever clothing they were wearing at the
time. They also wear traditional sandals (udabuluzwane).
INGOMA
YEZINTOMBI:
Winners:
iKusasa elihle; Second place: Izintombi zosizo; Third place: Mtimande
This
dance is specific to maidens. It was used during different types of rites of
passages for young girls, from the time they reach puberty, to virgin testing,
lobola and weddings.
The
dance is accompanied by drums, clapping, singing and the music is very
energetic. The costume consists of traditional skirts made of colourful beads.
The leg needs to be raised high.
INGOMA
YEZINSIZWA:
Winners:
Vuka yibambe; Second place: Ofeleba; Third place: uMoya obandayo
The most
common type of Ingoma yezinsinzwa. The dance is accompanied by singers who also
clap. The beating of a big drum was added later in the dance. It is a very
traditional dance form that can be seen in the use of traditional costumes
including Ibheshu and dancing barefoot. The dance is used during young men’s
rites of passage, weddings and traditional ceremonies. It is a very competitive
dance that is full of excitement. In terms of body posture, the leg has to be
straight when you dance and must reach the side of the ears. The dancers carry
shields and decorated sticks. Igosa will start the dance and ispani will follow
suit.
INDLAMU:
Winners:
Ingqayizivele; Second place: Amabubesi; Third place: Osizweni Theatre
Production
This is
a war dance that was introduced by Shaka Zulu to the warriors. It was a like a
military drill that required precision, with the dancers following a specific
pattern. It is accompanied by drums with minimal singing. This dance was
specific to Amabutho (warriors) to help them prepare for battle. Igosa also
leads Isipani and can do solo performances. There is a lot of showing off with
this type of dance as it was necessary to psyche warriors up for battle. There
is also a lot whistling to encourage whoever is dancing at the time. The music
that accompanies it has war themes. The dancers carry bigger shields and longer
sticks.
UMZANSI:
Winners:
Umlazi Jinge; Second place: Ntsika yeAfrika; Third place: iGugulesizwe
For more information visit www.playhousecompany.com
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