Mpumalanga revives culture through song and dance

MHLUZI - Themba Senamela Stadium came alive when the Mpumalanga Traditional Music and Dance Festival hit the township this past weekend.

Sixteen groups in contemporary traditional music and another 16 in traditional indigenous dance wowed music lovers over two days when the likes of Boykie Maqumbane, Qhuka Lipholile, Afrikaner Spelers and Diphepheng among others displayed their musical talents on the biggest stage of traditional music in the province. It goes without saying that December 10 and 11 will go down in annals of history as the dates that traditional music got its groove back. Local acts had the opportunity to share the stage with more established artists such as Ihhashi Elimhlophe, Nothembi Mkhwebane and Make Shelangubo. 

The Traditional Music and Dance Festival was put together by the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation to present new opportunities to aspiring artists in the traditional music genre while also affording the people of Mpumalanga a chance to celebrate their cultural diversity through song and dance. The festival was held under the theme, “Revival of our African Norms, Values and Ubuntu through Cultural Music and Dance”.

Groups came from all corners of the province representing Swazi, Zulu, Ndebele, Pedi, Tswana, Tsonga, Indian and Afrikaner cultures. The 32 groups billed for the festival gave outstanding performances which demonstrated our cultural diversity as a province not only through music and dance but also through the different cultures represented and also with the array of colorful attires worn on the day. The department went to the length and breadth of Mpumalanga looking for the best exponents of traditional music and dance and in the process unleashed some amazing talent in this genre.

Says spokesperson for the department, Ms Sibongile Nkosi, “We are committed to this project and will ensure its success and that of the groups primarily because it promotes our cultural diversity as a province.”