VISITORS to uShaka Marine World were entertained by the display of colourful traditional costumes, foot stomping and the sound of drum beats, as 20 dance troupes vied for the 2016 uShaka Marine World Zulu Dance Championship titles recently.
All dance troupe finalists had the opportunity to perform their various dance styles, with many of them showing top class talent which resulted in much deliberation from the judges – Zimiphi Biyela (uKhozi FM), Brendon Meiring-Pollock (uShaka Marine World), Ndumiso Ndlovu (Department of Arts and Culture) and Phila Myeni (Department of Arts and Culture).
At the end of this annual event, presented by the Department of Arts and Culture, the judges chose four category winners, instead of just one.
Walking away with the trophies and a R5 000 cheque each, as well as a contract to work at uShaka Marine World, were the Umlazi African Jingle dance troupe who won in the uMzansi dance category, the Amazebra Dance Troupe winning in the Indlamu category, the Umsenti Cultural troupe winning the Ingoma category and lastly, walking away with the title in the Ushameni category, were the Amabheka Okuhle Dance Troupe.
“Each year, this event grows bigger and better, with more troupes auditioning,” said Brendon Meiring-Pollock, the events and entertainment manager at uShaka Marine World.