Umdango kazulu

Umdango is a place of gathering, Kazulu means everyone

In this show we look at the History of the Ndebele nation which was founded by King Mzilikazi KaMashobana who fled Zululand the current South Africa. He left when Shaka the King was after his life after discovering that Mzilikazi was no longer loyal to him.

When Mzilikazi left he went with lots and lots of people, his warriors, wives, children and a lot more. They raided some small tribes and clans that they came across on their way to the north via the west and east.

Today we meet them at KwaBulawayo which is the second largest city of the country Zimbabwe where they met. The Kingdom was now bigger. At Mpopoma eNkulumane the celebration takes place with each tribe coming in with their traditional dances.They sing, and their music is accompanied by drums whistling and chants. The show takes us through generations up to today.

The show opens by people who were from Zululand dancing with legs high and stamping so hard on the ground a dance called Indlamu. AmaNdebele also from the other part of South Africa demonstrate who really they are, by isitshikitsha which is a dance that they share between and for purposes like celebrating the first harvests from the fields and to appease their ancestral spirits. The Shangaan from north east of S A and south east of Zimbabwe come in with a hunting dance called umchongoyo where you see one dancing with movements of a hunter. Before they could rest the western side slice in with their heart taking Istapa, a tswana dance, they sweep through till they are made to rest by guys who work in a nearby mine. These men truly stomp, slap their boots. Whats this? is the question . Gumboot Dance it is called. It is the one that marks the end of the first segment.

Thank you, Thank you lets have  a 15 minutes break.

Welcome, sit  back, relax and watch young guys with their music is'cathamiya, indeed the stage is now colorful, listen to these compositions, a strong harmony and look at the foot work as the guys take you from the mines to the township. BYE BYE  song is accompanied by more foot work with an unbelievable dance. Siyabonga bafowethu this is our last piece it is called Panstula Jive.

 SEE YOU NEXT TIME HAVE A LOVELY WAY  BACK HOME AND GOD BLESS YOU