THEME: Azibuyele Emasisweni- Back to the Roots.

"Back to the Roots" is a unique concert experience that will showcase the diversity and richness of our cultural heritage. The concert will feature a range of traditional and contemporary music, dance, and art forms that will transport the audience back in time. This concert is celebrating the rich cultural roots of our community.

[ARTISTS]

1.Dumisani ‘Dureh’ Ntuli is a passionate and talented student at University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Howard College, currently pursuing a degree in African Music and Dance. With a deep-rooted connection to his African heritage, Dumisani has dedicated his academic and artistic journey to exploring the rich rhythms, movements, and cultural expressions of the African continent. His performances are characterized by vibrant energy, complex choreography, and soulful musicality, drawing on a blend of traditional and contemporary African influences.

Join Dumisani as he takes you on a captivating journey of sound, movement, and heritage.

 

Item 1: Umakhweyana – Sayivuma le ngoma.

It is a praise song that praises, “sayivuma le ngoma” meaning that we agreed that this is the number one song, we are still saying this is the number one song.

 

Item 2: Percussion with Wakasu dance.

A dance of joy from women from Ghana being joyful after they went fishing. They would sit down after fishing, look at their scores of the day, and they would dance this dance

 

Item 3: Isicathamiya – Iqome kaMbhele

It is a love song. A zulu man just got himself a beautiful woman, so he thanks his ancestors with a song that praises the ancestors for giving him a beautiful woman.

 

 

Thandiswa Zubane

-Song: Ekhaya (own composition) This song is about wanting to go home and find peace after all the burden I face in the outside world.

-Instrument: Percussion- Percussive Prelude (own composition)- This is an opening percussion with an exciting beats to welcome and draw the audiences attention.

-Dance: Gumboot.Gumboot dancing was born in the gold mines of South Africa at the height of the migrant labour system and during the oppressive Apartheid Pass Laws.

 

2.Biography of Thandiswa Zubane:

MaZubane is a dedicated South African Music and Dance Student at UKZN Howard College. Born and raised at the township of KwaMashu and Ntuzuma, KZN.

Started to like music and art at the young and age. I believe that music runs through the blood of her paternal side of family because most of them are musicians and has their own music band. My grandfather passed his music talent and passion to the next generation.

In my primary school level, I used to be a music leader or would always lead songs in the assembly. I've got to showcase my talent in so many places as I'm enrolled in the Varsity as music student and and gas a group member of IKUSASA LETHU. My last big performance took place at the prestigious Artivism Conference in Pretoria. I am committed to preserve and innovate African Music for future generations.

 

 

 

3.Siphiwe Zwane, known as Narrator, is an African music and dance student at UKZN Howard College. Born in South Africa Northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, Ladysmith, Esahlumbe, he is deeply rooted in African musical traditions. He started his primary education at Thuthukani Primary School, where he developed a deep love for African music. While at school, he was a member of Isicathamiya group. He resumed his education at Esahlumbe High School in 2016, where he performed with the group called iNgoma Yesigodi (ISISHAMENI DANCE), and he is still an active member today.

The Isicathamiya ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo inspired my intense passion for African music. My father was another influence; whenever he returned from Johannesburg, he would play Masikandi songs. Since Masikandi and Isicathamiya were the sounds, we grew up listening to, this enhanced my love for African music and dance.

Zwane enhanced his repertoire by performing with the IKUSASA LETHU Ensemble at the Artivism Conference in Pretoria and many more, marking a significant milestone in his career as a performer. He also became the leader of the church choir during Sunday school. He participated in the annual cultural competitions in Weenen.

The isicathamiya song, "Halala Mangethe," composed by Siphiwe Zwane, praises the remarkable deeds of Father Mangethe while also highlighting the importance of good behavior.

Umzansi Zulu Dance, Choreographed by Siphiwe Zwane, is frequently described as an "ancient war dance" of the "warrior nation" known as the Zulu. Ngoma evolved via a history of migrant labor in the 20th century, while dancers commemorate imperial Zulu heritage and the significant role that song and dance played in that history. The image of the dancer as a warrior is one of the inspirations for Umzansi, the most dramatic Zulu Ngoma style.

Umakhweyana bow by Siphiwe Zwane. My original composition will be performed on the Umakhweyana bow.  Makhweyana is a braced calabash-resonated percussion bow, played mostly by the Zulu, Thonga, Venda, Swati, and Pedi nations. In the bow instrument family, there are braced and unbraced instruments.

 

First Session.

Dumisani – Isicathamiya

Siphiwe – Isicathamiya

Thandiswa – Ekhaya Song

 

Second Session.

Dumisani – Umakhweyana

Siphiwe – Umakhweyana

Thandiswa – Percussion

 

 

Third Session.

Dumisani – Percussion with Wakasu Dance

Siphiwe – Umzansi

Thandiswa - Gumboot dance.