Celebrating Youth and Culture at JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS
By Hambisani Goge
The JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS at Stable Theatre in Central Durban on 1 September 2024, was a vibrant celebration of youth and cultural heritage, marking the beginning of Heritage Month in South Africa. This afternoon’s performances were a showcase of young talent, with all performers under the age of 16, hailing from KwaMashu, Umlazi, Embo, Clermont, Gugulethu, Chatsworth, and Pietermaritzburg. It was truly inspiring to see young people with so much talent, after all, the youth is our future! The event was masterfully hosted by Sifiso Magesh Ngcobo, who brought an infectious energy with a good dose of humour to the day.
The event opened with the KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre’s “Caring,” choreographed by Anele Makanya, Thandeka Maqebula, Vusi Makhanya, and Philile Njikija. The performance captivated the audience with its daring lifts and intricate catches, showcasing not just skill but the courage, trust and community between the young dancers. This piece set the tone for the afternoon, embodying the spirit of teamwork and youthful energy.
Following this, the performance “Joy, Joy, Joy,” choreographed by Siseko Duba, Zinhle Nzama, and Jabu Siphika of FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY, brought the audience to its feet. The dancers from Dudlu Ntombi and Hheshe Nsizwa connected with the crowd through nostalgic music that evoked the sounds of childhood, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with tapping feet and enthusiastic cheers for the young dancers on stage.
One of the afternoon’s standout pieces was “Umgido,” choreographed by Sbonga Ndlovu and Digga Dube of FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY and the Ezakheleni Dance Project. The performance was a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary dance, paying homage to Zulu culture with vibrant traditional attire and white forehead dots a cultural symbol of purity. It was a fitting tribute to the start of Heritage Month, celebrating cultural pride and the significance of traditional ceremonies like Umhlanga.
“My Belonging,” performed by dancers from Inanda Seminary Girls’ School and choreographed by Thandeka Maqebula of KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre, took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the carefree days of youth. This heartwarming performance encapsulated the innocence and joy of childhood, reminding the audience of simpler times when the only concerns were playing and enjoying each day with friends and loved ones.
After a brief interval, the second half of the program continued with powerful performances. “Sibizelwe Kulento” by the Siyakhula Dance Project, choreographed by Sifiso Kitsona Khumalo, delivered a dynamic and engaging display from the young KwaMashu-based dancers. “Memory,” choreographed by Vusi Makhanya, brought together students from the Umtapho High School in Lindelani, reflecting on the themes of remembrance and identity through expressive and fluid movements.
“Dimension,” featuring dancers from FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY’s Umlazi-based Dudlu Ntombi offered a thought-provoking exploration of youth identity and contemporary South African cultures. “Garden of Peace,” choreographed by Khumalo for the Cleremont-based The Young Ones, highlighted the importance of harmony and tranquility, drawing on community themes and the importance to taking care of our youth.
Sifiso Kweyama’s “Kancane Kancane” from Yabantu Dance Development in Embo showcased a powerful build of movements, and rural rhythms captured the rhythms of KZN. In “Abandoned,” Sifiso Magesh Ngcobo’s choreography for St. Nicholas Dance Company brought emotional depth, focusing on themes of loss and belonging.
A vibrant Indian cultural touch was introduced by Manesh Maharaj of Kala Darshan with “Saraswathi Sthuti,” a beautifully intricate piece that mesmerised the audience with its traditional Kathak dance style, a rare and welcome fusion of Indian classical dance into the JOMBA! stage.
The KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre returned with “One Child to Another,” choreographed by Anele Makanya for Mandlakazulu Primary School. This work focused on the power of communication and unity among youth, delivering a heartfelt message about friendship and empathy.
Thimna Sitokisi’s “Ntinga Ntakandini,” performed by Versatile Dance School, was a fitting end to the day’s program, merging Zulu dance with contemporary influences. The powerful rhythms and the use of traditional costumes in an innovative context left a lasting impression, reinforcing that dance is a dynamic expression that transcends cultural boundaries.
JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS was not just a celebration of dance; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the promise of the next generation. The performances were a vivid reminder that the future of dance is filled with bold, passionate young artists eager to honour their heritage while exploring new creative possibilities.
JOMBA! has its final weekend in Durban before moving on to Johannesburg’s Market Theatre for performances from 11–14 September. More information can be found on the JOMBA! Website: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za
