Mighty Zulu Nation - 19th October 2009
South African tribal culture came to life on the 19th October at Salford City Academy, when the Peel Green School hosted a vibrant and energetic performance from The Mighty Zulu Nation Theatre Company.
Performers introduced Salford youngsters to Zulu culture and traditions with a showcase of lively dance, powerful song and colourful costume, alongside an enactment of a folklore story accompanied by rhythmic Zulu drum.
Comedy characters ensured children were engaged and plenty of laughs were heard during the performance.
More laughter followed when The Mighty Zulu Nation crew invited pupils to join them in an entertaining workshop.
Pupils practised traditional Zulu greetings “Yebo” (Hi) and “Siyaphila” (We are fine), as well as learning to pronounce all of the Zulu tribe members’ names, which involved more than a bit of tongue-twisting!
Based on the characters introduced in the folklore story, pupils were then taken through the traditional costumes, accessories and musical instruments of the Sangoma (healer), Zulu Maidena (girl) and Zulu Warrior.
Pupils were shown the Golden Spear and beaded wig of the Sangoma, the colourful jewellery and costume that defines the beauty of a Zulu girl, and the animal skins worn by a Zulu warrior that represents his power and status.
The children were then invited to join in and learn the dances of the Sangoma, Maidena and Warrior and all that took part showed a zest for Zulu music and movement.
Pupils from local primary schools Barton Moss, Beech Street, St. Andrews, Godfrey Ermen, Christ Church and Lewis Street were invited to attend by Salford City Academy, alongside their own students.
The Huddersfield-based theatre group, The Mighty Zulu Nation, formed in 1999 and is made up of Zulu tribe members from Kwa Zulu Natal in Durban, South Africa. The singers and dancers tour the UK educating school children in cultural diversity using their skills in music, dance and drama.
“Our aim with these school visits is a cultural exchange; we want to showcase Zulu heritage to children with our performances and interactive workshops so they can get a real feel for our South African civilisation,” says group leader Ntobeko Cele.
Ben Maggs, a pupil at Beech Street Primary School, said of the show “It was so funny and I really enjoyed doing the dancing. The Zulu drumming was great!”
Elizabeth Haddock, Salford City Academy’s Principal says “The sessions The Mighty Zulu Nation provide tick a number of boxes in terms of our curriculum including history, geography, art and music. The style of the performances and workshops enables a dynamic style of learning – one which is thoroughly enjoyed by all children who take part.”