(Pictures
by AJ Blackwardii)
Madundubala Arts proudly presents Emasisweni; an exciting day of
celebrating Nguni Heritage through music, dance and traditional wear. It will
take place tomorrow (September 21, 2019) at the Stable Theatre in Durban.
The organisation has chosen to partner with
Mhayise Productions in this exciting event that is packed with activities
suitable for both young and old. Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner for Dance
(2018), Musa Hlatshwayo will be the creative and programme director of this
event as he guides the audience through the programme.
“Madundubala Arts as an organisation is
concerned with the preservation of Nguni Cultural Heritage. It notes with
concern the change of attitude, particularly in the youth who favour American
culture and turns its back on traditional isiZulu food, dance and dress. Whilst
there is nothing wrong with new trends, if it means turning your back on your
own rich cultural heritage, this is regrettable. Afro hairstyles are smothered
beneath western wigs and young men wear baggy rap trousers low on the hips to
reveal a bum cleavage, unaware of the origins of this custom that originated in
American prison culture. Our intention with this event, and the purpose behind
the development of our organisation, is therefore to say “azibuye emasisweni.””
says Professor Dennis Schauffer; coordinator of Madundubala Arts that was
founded by Bheki Ngcobo.
The programme will highlight four (amongst
the many) traditional isiZulu Music and Dance styles i.e. isicathamiya, iNgoma,
Masikanda, and Indlamu. Specific items have been created and carefully curated
into a concert that celebrates these music and dance styles while reminding the
audience of the characteristics of these traditional Nguni dance/music styles.
This event will be performed by a cast of more than 30 versatile dancers under
Hlatshwayo’s tutelage. This music and dance concert will see Hlatshwayo
presenting a brief introductory lecture on each of the styles that will be
highlighted while his versatile performers creatively interweave the programme
with other exciting additional spectacular dance.
“Madundubala Arts have come up with an
exciting initiative that speaks to the core of what this month is about. The
team and I have been working hard in preparing for this one-of-a kind event. I
am particularly excited about this showcase as my dancers have been working
hard in revisiting these dance styles and their authenticity.
"I am also excited
about the other items that we have worked on which will serve as the creative
thread to the entire programme while giving the day that spice and that
tantalising twist. It’s going to be beautiful, colourful, tasteful and
definitely unforgettable. I’m grateful to Stable Theatre for allowing us to
stage this event in the centre - and for their continued support throughout our
endeavours,: says Hlatshwayo.
The event takes place on September 21 from 09h30
to 12h30. Entry is free of charge.
Attendees are encouraged to show up in
their most vibrant and most colourful traditional and or expressive attire as
the organisation will be filming and documenting the event for purposes of
circulating the recordings to provincial research libraries and to National
Cultural Archives.
There will be security guards on site. There is plenty of secure parking space
inside the centre. Come early to celebrate with us, our Nguni Cultural
Heritage. For bookings and queries contact Prof Dennis Schauffer at
profds@mweb.co.za or on 083 650 7817.
The event takes place at Stable Theatre behind
the centre at the ballroom dance square/ underneath the bridge.
Stable Theatre is
at 115 Johannes Nkosi Street (formally Alice Street) in the vicinity of the
Warwick Triangle in town.
This event is proudly sponsored by the
National Lottery Fund.
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