Feast of Indian talent at Sibaya show

KUMARI Ambigay will present ‘Vaanga Maacha’ musical concert on Friday, 8 June at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino at 8pm.

Tamil songs from her latest music album will be the main feature of the show. Gems of Indian entertainment, Sagren Naidoo of Radio Lotus and Umitha Kalyan, backed by the ever-popular Tansen Nepaul Show Band will also make an appearance. Jugga Pillay is the compere for the evening. Gunaseelan of Bangalore India will dance with Krish Swamivel’s dance group to the latest pop music.

Glenwood resident, 71-year-old Kumari Ambigay, is known as the ‘Mother of Indian Culture’. She returned to South Africa after her training and performances in India and can still keep up her dance moves with ladies 50 years her junior.

As a playwright and actor, Ambigay’s father Mathiemugam Pillay trained her from the age of four as a stage artiste. His command of the Tamil language led him to teach many stalwarts of Indian culture in South Africa. He worked as a chef and stage performer and promised he would take her to India to continue her studies in Indian classical dance and Tamil.

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In Chennai (Madras), screen actress Chandra Kantha was very impressed with Ambigay’s command of the Tamil language, her dance and acting skills. She gave her the opportunity to perform with greats like Kamal Hassen before he made an impact on the silver screen. Ambigay also danced with now noted Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan (Devdas, Bajirao Mastani).

After completing her studies in Tamil literature and Bharatha Natyum, Ambigay returned to South Africa to continue her father’s dream of promoting Indian culture. In 1970 she began to promote Indian culture through music, dance and the Tamil language, which led to the formation of the Kumari Ambigay Dance Institute in Montford Chatsworth. Ambigay taught Bharatha Natyam, Kathak and Tamil at Indian schools in various rural areas.

She has worked and collaborated with many popular South African artists such as Ronnie Govender, Ramesh Hassen, Hoosen Valley, Shashika Mooruth and Tansen Nepaul.

Tickets are available from Computicket at all branches of Shoprite Checkers. CDs will be available at the show. Contact Krish Swamivel on 083 655 0683.

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