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Heritage Day Festival: Embracing Arts and Culture in Celebration
The Rise High African Child Arts group delivered a captivating performance during the Vuka Duka Heritage Carnival at Rhoo Hlatshwayo Arts Centre (RHAC) on September 23. Their performance conveyed powerful themes, intricate choreography, and an exhilarating display of talent.
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The story, told through dance and music, showcased the profound impact of acceptance and protest as it depicted the transformation of an entire community through one individual embracing her ancestral calling.
The narrative revolves around a young girl who is initially reluctant to acknowledge her ancestral calling. This engaging tale unfolded through the expressive performances of the dancers, highlighting the significance of embracing one’s true identity.
The performance began with the girl seated in the centre of the room, cloaked in traditional attire and encircled by her guides, who carried sticks and chanted ‘bayeza, kusasa’ (they are coming tomorrow). As the story progressed, the girl declared her mastery of the divine world, her ability to ward off evil spirits, and her qualification as an underworld healer. Her acceptance of this calling marked a turning point in the story.
Under the guidance of one of her mentors, the group celebrated her achievement, concluding the play with a dynamic display of song and dance.
Dumisani Mhlanga, the musical director and choreographer, emphasized that rejecting one’s true self could lead to adverse consequences. The girl’s life improved significantly only after she embraced her calling and realized its value to her community. The story was inspired by the experiences of young individuals who often evade their destinies and subsequently struggle in life.
Mhlanga reiterated the importance of embracing one’s calling and pursuing dreams, stressing that it could transform an individual’s life and their family’s fortune, as demonstrated by the unity that flourished within the village after the girl embraced her destiny.
Mduduzi Mdlalose, the centre manager at RHAC, described the recital as the event’s highlight, which commenced with a parade and street dancing from Mabuya Secondary School to the arts centre. The festival aimed to celebrate and revive arts and cultural activities within the community while preserving heritage through various artistic expressions, including music, poetry, and traditional attire displays. Performances by Batswana and AmaZulu groups and poetry sessions by Jozi Bush and Aphila Maqashu were also featured during the event.
Source: WATCH: Heritage Day festival a celebration of arts and culture
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Photo: Supplied by Benoni City Times
