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Sabelo Ngema, Product Owner
 


Ikabawo Dance Group

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THERE are several dialects in the Nguni family of languages. They include the languages of the Zulu, Xhosa, the Swazi and the Shangaan/Tsonga people.

The languages are all mutually intelligible but each of these people has its own unique culture, its own visual art, dress and linguistic peculiarities – and its own dance.
The Nguni people form the bulk of the South African population but there are many other strands to the fascinating, colourful fabric of the country.

Based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Ikabawo Dance Group is a company of eight young Zulu men who are fast earning themselves a reputation for some of the most arresting, most energetic and creative dance in the country. The name means “my brother” or “my cousin” and was carefully chosen because it speaks of the ultimate brotherhood of all Africans and the fact that the term is understood as such in various Nguni languages.

The driving forces behind Ikabawo are Sabelo Ngema, 29, and 30-year-old Sergeant Malishe. Sergeant grew up in the sprawling Umlazi township outside Durban while Sabelo was born and bred in Zululand. Both have appeared with some heavyweight stars of South African performing arts and both have won several awards for their refreshing approach to entertainment. (Sabelo counts among his uncles Mbongeni Ngema, a man of many talents who is one of the country’s most celebrated musicians, playwrights and producers.)

Sabelo explains that the Ikabawo members are all Zulus but that their dance is inspired by, and reflects, the dance traditions of many people. Experts from as far afield as Angola and Malawi have taught himself and the members of the troupe some of the dance steps from their countries, plus the historical background that informs their dancing.

“Sergeant and I have different roles to play in cooking up the recipe that is Ikabawo,” says Sabelo “but we’re both very involved in performing.” The two friends are partners in Ikabawo Entertainment, a business that has fingers in a number of entertainment pies. These include running events, recording and producing music and hiring out sound equipment. A musical, 2010 and Beyond, is about to be produced and soon Sabelo and Sergeant will release their first CD, an event which they hope will give them some international exposure.

The “Ikabawo Boys” as Sabelo refers to them are at the heart of the business. The company performs at weddings, gala dinners and for many of the cruise ships that regularly call at Durban. The other six performers are all aged 24 to 28. “They’re all young and have lots of energy,” says Sabelo. “And we make sure that they have plenty of time to rehearse. Talent is one thing but you need to work extremely hard at rehearsals if you’re going to be really, really good.”

Dancing is the bread and butter of the young performers and they dance as though their lives depended on it. While the Ikabawo Boys eagerly accept bookings, the regular place to check out their breathtaking moves is at Moyo restaurant at Ushaka Marine World, a theme park that is famous for its excellent aquarium and host of activities.

The popular African-themed, vibey restaurant is located on several levels and sprawls out towards the beach. Its decor is an eclectic mix of handmade art and curious knickknacks, a visual treat for foreigners and the most jaundiced local. Music is an integral part of the whole Moyo recipe and the Ikabawo boys a key ingredient.

At Moyo their performances invariably interrupt whatever might be going on elsewhere in the restaurant; conversation halts and cameras come out as soon as Ikabawo start singing, dancing and drumming. Later, after the introductory show, members tour the restaurant, performing for individual tables. Witness a performance by Ikabawo and you will appreciate why Moyo management describe their venue as being “more of an experience than a restaurant”.

Sabelo is proud of the achievements of his young company – and proud to be associated with a restaurant as prestigious and as hip and happening as Moyo. The young man from Zululand is now also an extremely proud Durbanite. “There is so much going on here, so much art happening,” he says. “The weather is always perfect and the people are very kind and welcoming. Durban is the Promised Land. Everyone should come to Durban – and, of course, to see Ikabawo.”

 
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