Dance Craze posted 05-02-06
Sikhathele Kaoma
has tapped all the energy to come up with a vibrant programme, Jaiva Lami, which
literary means dance with me. A professional and talented dancer himself, Kaoma is passionate with his programme and he took
his time to speak to us:
What is Jaiva Lami?
It is a dance programme
where we are inviting people to dance with us. We take unknown groups who rehearse in homes and some underground venues and
expose them to a wider audience. It combines music and dance and there are no age, gender or ethnic restrictions to our programme.
Its all about freedom to dance.
How many shows have you held so far?
We have had 4 shows
and 26 groups have participated so far. Group participation is free and the audience pays nothing to see these groups. Our
main aim is to expose these groups to a wider audience. And yes, its full house all the way!!
Any follow up on the groups?
We follow up on
our groups to see if they are taking up the advice that we give them and part of the advice is from the audience. This programme
is all about the artist working hand in hand with the audience. We then book them for a paying audience at the Theater Upstairs.
Any future plans?
To get the program
bigger and exiting. We will also introduce dance workshop t run parallel with the event to equip young dancers who are just
starting out.
What is the overall aim of this programme?
The aim is to teach
young people that dance is a living art form. You see, because they dance in their homes, in the streets, almost everywhere,
they tend to take it for granted, so our aim is to win back legitimacy for dance as an art form. We want to empower the dance
artist and keep children occupied so that they are not loose in the face of Hiv/Aids.
Where are the groups from?
The groups are from
all over the city. We have groups from the townships and groups from the low density areas. Groups come form as far as Nkulumane
and Pumula and some are from Makokoba, Mzilikazi and North end. We are offering all these groups space. Some get formed here
during the event.
Any differences in their dance styles?
There is a difference
off course, but surprisingly it is not depended on where they come form. While for most people it is kwaito, we have had some
groups taking into hip hop, and traditional staff,for example Perfect Pie, a group from Luveve.
What of gender balance?
There are more girls
than boys, surprisingly. Arts have always been dominated by boys it the townships, but this time there are more girls than
boys because even when we ask for participants in solo dances girls are always volunteering. In the past they used to be shy
but not now. They are really enjoying the show.
Any talent scouts?
At times talent
scouts come and some groups are already booked for performances. We want more talent scouts.
Any sponsorship for the programme?
The programme is
still looking for money and are appealing to prospective sponsors to come up. We are specifically looking for sponsorship
in terms of prizes as we endevour to reward those that take part in some way. We are aiming for a Township Dance Fest on the
18th of April 2006
When is the next show?
Its on the 27th
of November 2005 here at the centre. We have these shows fortnightly. They are great. The kids are great. The dances are hot
and the audience loves it.
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Thandanani Women Finally Winning Recognition
.....posted 08-01-06
IT took years for South
African maskandi musicians like Mfazi Omnyama, Phuzekhemisi, Ihatshi Elimhlophe and Bhekumuzi Luthuli to make a breakthrough
into the mainstream music markert.
In the same sense it
has taken years of patience for Thandanani Women’s Ensemble to make a breakthrough and these days it seems they are
slowly making it into the mainstream entertainment zone. The pinnacle of their achievement so far has been a invitation to
perform in Harare at the behest of the Swiss embassy.
Thandanani is a 9 member self help community-based
group founded in the high density township of Matshobana
in Bulawayo. The organisation continues to focus on two income
generating activities, which are performing arts in dance and drama, and the catering for special events and functions. Thandanani
has survived primarily through determination and commitment to see their projects succeed and generate income.
“The objectives of the group is to generate
income and implement programmes that develop its membership and the membership of other women’s community groups that
they network with. It also aims to contribute to the cultural development and performance industries,” said Yengiwe
Ngwenya, a member of the group.
Their show comprises of Ndebele traditional dances that include isitshikitsha, amantshomani
and amabhiza. They have perfected their art in accapela music and also do early
19 60s songs sung at functions and weddings. They are also artists who also take up acting as they put up short plays.
These women
have thrived on hard work and sheer bravery as none of them has secondary education. When they took arts fulltime Thandanai
trained at Amakhosi Center for 8 months.
“We can benefit a lot from adult education
and training. We are open and committed to all forms of learning and training,” said Ngwenya.
All members are family women facing present challenges
by all bread winning mothers, fending for their children and sending them to school. Members are in their mid 40s placing
them amongst the most senior performing adult groups in Zimbabwe.
Thandanani recorded a sound track for the apartheid
film, A World Apart, filmed in Zimbabwe.
They have also recorded with South African composer John Clergy. They have taken part in several national competitions winning
top awards. In 1995 and 1996 they were part of a cultural exchange trip to South Africa
and Swaziland presenting and exhibiting
their dances. They have been guest performers to various prestigious events in
and around Bulawayo. Some of their members have featured in
local films and TV commercials.
Recently most their members featured in Isithembo, a local Ndebele drama, where they have shown prowess in their acting.
