Traditional music celebrated
Kwatsaduza - iAfrika Theatre hosted its fifth annual Ezakithi Music Show that saw Ubuhle Be Ikhono from Rathanda walk away with R20 000.
The runners-up, Tuxedo Arts Production, scooped a cash prize of R8 000.
The event took place at the Tsakane Hall recently.
The theme for this year’s show was Dlala Ngoma Yami (Let the Music Play) and saw 10 groups participating.
The groups included Suave Voice, Ubambano Cultural Group and Siyavuma New Generation.
Adjudicators were TV personality John Lata, Bubele Mgele, who works in the performing arts, and Phumi Dhlamini, a theatre arts performer.
“This event, which began in 2011, is a traditional music showcase by artists from all over the province, who get to compete for a cash prize funded by the National Arts Council.
“It is a great opportunity for promoting traditional music and emerging talent to boost their artistic profiles.
“And with the genre of traditional music diminishing in most of our social calendars, this show gives performers and the audience a chance to reconnect with their roots,” says marketing officer Mbuso Mpungose.
He adds that prior to the final event, they had training sessions for the group leaders, assisting them with artistic skills, vocal coaching, business skills, project management, choreography, budgeting and financial management and control so that they are able to sustain their group.
Jabu Lushaba of Ubuhle Be Ikhono says they are happy to have won this competition and thanks the organisers for keeping traditional music alive among new artists.
“This was the fourth time we have entered and our second win as we won R10 000 in 2013.
“The secret to our success, is that we are patient, love what we do, don’t give up and we keep working on our flaws.
“We are busy building a rehearsal space so the money we have won will go towards that project,” says Lushaba.
Dhlamini says “We were happy to see different cultures being represented and are impressed with the level of talent coming from the East Rand.
“We look at performance, stage presence, projection, body language, singing and costume when selecting our winners.”
See more photos here and watch the video here.
