SA talent on show in London
Sylvia Clow-Wilson
18 January 2008
Africa's answer to Cirque de Soleil, a South African version of The Magic Flute, and a BBC documentary on an initiative to teach young black township musicians - there's no shortage of South African talent on show in London right now.
Afrika! Afrika!
Afrika! Afrika!, the continent's answer to Cirque de Soleil, arrived at the O2 Arena in London on 17 January.
Producer André Heller and choreographer Georges Momboye scoured Africa for over two years to find over 100 incredible performers, including Gumboot and tap dancers from South Africa, dancers from Senegal, the Ivory Coast and Guinea, a tissue aerialist from Martinique and a ball juggler from Ethiopia.
The troupe travelled through Africa for two years between Mali and Morocco and Egypt and South Africa, and is currently performing in London for the first time.
Der Spiegel has described Afrika! Afrika! as a "kingdom of the travelling entertainers and a paradise for the zest of life". A combination of traditional and modern music informs all these performances, featuring lead singers Shaluza Max and Ntombifuthi Pamella Mhlongo from South Africa.
One highlight of the show comes in the form of South Africa's own master contortionist, Nokulunga Buthelezi, whose twisting, turning and extraordinary suppleness has earned her the nickname "Snake Girl".
Magic Flute moves to the West EndThe Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo, produced by Isango Portobello, a Khayelitsha theatre company, has been performing at London's Young Vic theatre since December.
Directed by Mark Dornford-May of U-Carmen eKhayelitsha fame, it is a version of Mozart's The Magic Flute with 30 singers, marimbas, drums and other township percussions.
Following rave reviews, The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo will be moving to the Duke of York's theatre in London's West End from the beginning of February.
Soweto StringsA documentary on the charity Buskaid was screened on BBC this month, focusing the UK's attention on this incredible initiative to teach young black musicians in South African townships.
Buskaid has wowed crowds with their skill and energy on stage when performing various international tours. Recently visited venues include the Cité de la Musique in Paris and the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Buaskaid was started in Soweto in 1997 by British Viola player Rosemary Nalden. Buskaid has produced world class students such as Samson Diamond, who graduated with first-class honours from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Sylvia Clow-Wilson works for the International Marketing Council of SA, the custodians of Brand South Africa, in London
