Big step: Greg Maqoma is retiring as a dancer but he will continue to teach and choreograph. Photo: Arthur Dlamini
A pioneer in the world of dance, Gregory Maqoma is hanging up his dancing shoes at the age of 50. But he will continue to work as choreographer and teacher.
He has touched the lives of many people in the industry.
Musician, collaborator and friend Madala Kunene said: “Maqoma’s greatness is seen through his work; he has contributed a lot to the industry and assisted many artists to provide for themselves.”
Kunene emphasised that Maqoma should be honoured while he is still alive. He believes Maqoma’s legacy is one of telling ground-breaking stories through his performances, using them for social commentary.
“As he retires from dancing, it is pleasing to us to see that he is celebrated and his contribution is visible, leaving a mark.”
Durban-born Kunene told how Maqoma changed his life.
“I will not forget when he called me and [musician] Syd Kitchen to come work in Johannesburg years ago. He booked us accommodation and paid us nicely.”
He said Maqoma never treated them as if they were mere employees.
“Yes, he was our boss at that time, but we never felt it.
“He thanked us and told us about leaving for Holland. We indeed took a plane and left. Arriving in Holland, he continued treating us well and that’s how he has always been throughout our working relationship.
“He has again requested me to avail myself for his birthday celebration and I will be there,” he said.
Photographer Arthur Dlamini described Maqoma as one of the humblest people he has ever worked with. “He is loving and caring and, most importantly, he always is real and always honest. I love everything about him.”
Dlamini said Maqoma should be honoured for consistently reminding artists of their greatness.
“He should be celebrated for making us believe that our gifts can make us travel the world and take us to places we have never imagined.
“For making us believe that our stories matter, as they are, and for also doing this for so many years and staying consistent.
“For making us believe that when we do everything with love, everything we want comes to us. For taking this [African] continent to the world through storytelling.
“There are so many things I can name … he makes us believe our own dreams,” Dlamini said.
The photographer narrated how his photo shoots with Maqoma would go.
“In all our photo shoots I have never made him pose … “When we work, we have music in the background and he would perform, dancing and using movement as a meditation practice or prayer.
“We go into a silent space where he dances, and I shoot, till we get the message he is portraying.
“I think that is a very profound way of being,” Dlamini said.
Choreographer, dancer and teacher Mamela Nyamza described Maqoma as one of the greatest artists in the country.
“He has accomplished what many could not accomplish. He has always shown us, as artists, that we can make it. He has proven against all odds that, by being a dancer, you can achieve a lot,” Nyamza said.
She detailed how Maqoma is always there for aspiring artists.
“His legacy will live on; he lights up a room when he walks in with his flamboyant self.
“He is that artist that I will always remember from my younger days at the Dance Umbrella and I have seen him grow in his craft whilst sharing stages with him both internationally and locally.
“When he dances on stage, he shifts energies; you can tell he is not alone,” she said.
“All I can say is that he is an amazing artist.”