PHUMZILE ZONDO ON AMAWETHU

PHUMZILE ZONDO ON AMAWETHU

BY LUYANDA SIDIYA

ABOUT AMAWETHU

Amawethu tells a human story that seeks to rectify or, rather, to reclaim who we are as a people from our culture and customs – and to correct the distortions that pre-date the African slave trade that led us to believe that African spirituality had a demonic, pagan, uncivilized, barbaric and godless origin.

Conceived, choreographed and directed by Luyanda Sidiya, assisted by Phumlani Nyanga, the piece aims to create a system for the black child to appreciate and learn more about who they are. As a revival of sorts, Amawethu seeks to enact the wealth of character long lost in our customs and way of life.

Luyanda Sidiya is the co-founder of Luthando Arts Academy in Sebokeng, giving back to the community where he grew up. As a teacher and choreographer, Sidiya’s work aims to deepen an understanding and appreciation of African and contemporary dance and music. He was the 2015 Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance.

Phumzile Zondo had the privilege of working with such a director and being allowed to compose and arrange music with great musicians like Xolisile Bongwana (vocalist),Thokozane Nsibande (Percussion), Bafana BK Ndhlovu (Bass), and Mama Drum (Congas) for Amawethu , and it panned out to be a spiritual growing and nurturing experience.

Below is a link to a rehearsal  before the show ran in Makanda Arts FEstival 2019 ,with Phumzile Zondo in Collaboration with Luthando Arts Academy.

The title of the song is

Uzuri - meaning beautiful in Swahili is Xolisile Bangwanas brainchild and the accompanying musicians helped co-compose and co-create the final product.

https://www.facebook.com/luyanda.sidiya/videos/10157558060993408/

below is a link from an Audience member who caught the closing glimpse of the show when it returned to  the State Theatre in 2019.

https://www.facebook.com/mamela.nyamza/videos/10156077751726277/?t=2

In November 2019 

Luthando Arts Academy and Phumzile Zondo celebrated the unveiling of a mural painted by Angola and South Africa (Dbongz Mahlathi) at the Iron Palace in Luanda...

sharing a stage with the likes of Thandiswa Mazwai.

Dancers

Simphiwe Nkosi, Thulisile Binda, Phumlani Nyanga, Promise Magopa, Jabulani Christopher, Kwazi Madlala, 

Mahavatar Ramaine