A blind 90-year-old woman from the rural hinterland is one of the stars at this year’s National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.
Audiences were treated to an outstanding eargasmic performance by Nomakhabathi ka Gana from Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape when she performed songs dating back to her childhood on the traditional Xhosa uhadi bow at the indigenous music show on Wednesday.
Ka Gana’s solo act was the first on stage before a medley of indigenous performers from the Eastern Cape set the stage alight with their rich and vibrant sounds from the region.
The Indigenous Music Ensemble, made up of women from various parts of the province, accompanied their dance with sounds from umasengwane and isigibhu drums along with the uhadi, isitorotoro and umrhubhe bows.
An additional accompaniment was provided by umgqokolo, a deep throat singing also practiced by Tibetan monks and the Tuva peoples of Siberia.
An exhilarating acapella foot stomping performance by the all-woman Masizakhe group from Cofimba followed.
Looking splendid in seshweshwe layered over hide skirts with an umbhaco covering, they performed the traditional xhensa, a shoulder dance with harmonious melodies.
Eastern Cape Arts and Culture MEC Nosimo Balindlela who attended the show said: “At last the indigenous people are here to show their talent. If we neglect this talent it will be at the peril of the nation because these women carry the treasures of the past and the wisdom of old.” –ECN Cuewire