Ulozolo Youth Organisation presents ‘My Africa Dance’

The Ulozolo Youth Organisation is excited to present ‘My Africa Dance’ – a dance/drama/ music production reminding us of the importance of honouring our forefathers in our quest for real freedom and democracy, which will be touring to various schools in six districts throughout July.

“This is a much-anticipated tour where educational stories of our democracy are celebrated, and where unity and integration depict our true democracy,” said choreographer and the Ulozolo Youth Organisation’s Lucky Cele. Schools who wish to be part of this amazing experience can contact Lucky Cele directly.

The dancers will visit six district municipalities: eThekwini Metro on July 18, Harry Gwala on July 24, Ulundi on July 26, Amajuba on July 28, Empangeni on July 25, and Ugu district on July 30.

“The production takes us through the life journey of some key struggle hero icons: from their early days, their contribution to the struggle, how they died and why the country should always remember their legacy. Such stories are told through dialogue, music, and dance to give clarity on how South Africa achieved democracy,” added Cele, who is also an internationally renowned musical theatre writer and director.

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This is something Cele feels strongly about. “As a generation of young adults, we seem to have forgotten the huge sacrifices our forefathers have made in order for us to be living in a free and fair South Africa: one with a progressive constitution, ample resources, accessible education and many opportunities. We should be living the dream of our ancestors. But we seem to have forgotten what they fought for, and why. I want to remind a new generation of what has gone before. Men and women have given their lives for us to have the country of our dreams. Let us honour their stories and be inspired by them,” he continued.

Reflecting on some of our struggle heroes and their legacy is told through a blend of spoken word and dance – a fusion of well-known creatives and emerging artists from around KZN. To make it accessible to as wide an audience as possible, the narration is in both English and Zulu.

A total of 12 dances tells these amazing stories through contemporary, modern, Zulu,  Xhosa, Sophiatown and township dance. The project will also promote acapella music to suit the era. Newly composed songs will be introduced to the show, and use of struggle songs based on the story will also be used.

A prototype version of this production, called 6/666, was staged at the BAT Centre last December. It is written, directed and choreographed by Lucky Cele and musical director is SA Idols top 10 runner-up, Nkosinathi Shange, produced by Ulozolo Youth Organisation.

A youth-led organisation empowering KZN artists with business skills to thrive within the Creative and Cultural Industry.

Schools who wish to be part of this amazing experience can contact Lucky Cele on 076-843-5499 or email Ulozolo Youth Organisation at [email protected]