Prince Malatji is an acrobat and dancer currently scouting for new talent in South African schools, touring the country with a talent search called Look What the Children Can Do. Through this he hopes to find new talent among teenagers and nurture it further.
A hundred of his Doers Dancers will collaborate with Oposito, the acclaimed French street theatre group, in a mega- production during the opening ceremony of the All Africa Games. He and his son, Lucky, perform live under the name Father and Son.
What fascinates you about acrobatics?
Acrobatic exercises and dances are very engaging. They help my son and me keep physically, and keep our minds balanced. We are also spiritually calm people.
It’s a kind of trance that leads you to a happier lifestyle. Parents, together with their children, should be involved in physical exercises, they don’t have to be dancers.
Who influenced you?
When I was a little boy, I used to watch movies. My favourite stars were Bruce Lee and Jacky Chan. I observed them carefully and imitated their styles. My wisdom enabled me to even do better than them, that’s what I think.
What are your happiest moments in life?
Having my son perform with me in front of a cheering crowd and making other parents realise that they can do the same with their children. At times, I’m asked to teach other people’s children and I ask them to come learn too.
When do you intend getting married?
I have no idea. I think when the time comes I will get married. I would like to be a father and a responsible husband too. I am a single parent at the moment, one day I will need a woman who can love me as I am. One who will understand me and take care of my son.
Do you believe in polygamy?
I am too young to give my judgment on such issues. What I can say is, there are distinctions between ancient South Africa and today’s generation. We are talking about civilisation, economy, poverty and starvation. In the past people would not think about tomorrow and even today there are those who still don’t consider these factors. I really don’t know what to say about this matter.
What do you hate about yourself?
I hate being angry. I just can’t control myself when I’m angry. I shout, scream and shake. I react very quickly when a fight breaks up.
When do you lie?
When I am happy I tell a lot of lies. Through telling lies I make other people laugh. That’s when I don’t have other ways of entertaining them.
What was your most embarassing moment?
When I proposed to a beautiful lady three times not knowing that it was the same person. When I saw her for the first time, we talked and agreed to have a relationship. I took her phone numbers and never phoned her back. The next time I met her, she looked different and I could not recognise her. I was again attracted to her. This time she gave wrong telephone numbers. When I tried to contact her, I could not track her down and lost hope. By the time we met for the third time, she reminded me of the two past meetings. I felt very stupid and useless.
Prince Malatji, Lucky and other dancers will perform with French street performers Oposito at the opening ceremony of the All Africa Games at the Johannesburg Stadium on September 10. He spoke to Connie Selebogo