On 25 October, the Intlombe Gala Concert was held at UP’s Aulu theatre. This event was a Xhosa function that served to not only commemorate and celebrate Ovuwa’s greatest achievements but to also end the year on a high note.
The members of Ovuwa gave outstanding performances that allowed for the safe practice of cultural expression, and they evoked cheers and ululating from the audience. The students who attended this gala shared their opinions on the importance of embracing diversity and learning about different South African cultures. One student mentioned how this event helped to relieve some of the academic pressure that comes with semester tests and approaching exams. Similarly, another commented that it was refreshing to attend such a concert amidst the busyness of the final quarter.
Who and what is Ovuwa?
Established in 1998, Ovuwa is a cultural ensemble which focuses on cultural diversity and expresses this through staged acts of poetry, singing and dance. Following their stunning presidential performance at the Union building, these talented students have used their love for art to put themselves on the map. They have also been nominated for the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), representing not just the University of Pretoria but also South Africa as a whole by proving to us just how culture brings people together.
The night began with the dance groups, and the first performance was by the Isitshikitsha, followed by the Zulu ladies, the Ndebele men, Vhavenda ladies, the isiXhosa dance group, BaSotho men and women and the Tsonga ladies. One of the students expressed just how much she was looking forward to the BaKalanga performance due to its uniqueness and versatility. After the dances, Ovuwa sang the following songs: “Mombeleleni”, “Mangisondele”, “Ubonakala”, and “Dumisa Yena”. The last section of the concert consisted of the Khoisan entrance, the nonyana, tsutsube, setapa dances, and the dance of the BaKalanga.
This event is designed to initiate deep conversations about diversity. Diversity means something different to all of us, but what makes it special is how we can all be different and still manage to co-exist. It is all about being united in diversity and embracing each other’s differences. Every song spoke to someone, be it the love song titled “Na le wena” – meaning “you and I, my beloved” – or the heart-filling BaKalanga performance, where dancers ask the ancestors to shower the BaKalanga tribe with rain and join them for one last dance. One student commented on the emotional and spiritual nature of some of the song and dance performances. Ovuwa delivered by not just entertaining us but uniting us.
Dimpho Tsotetsi, a member and performer of Ovuwa, commented on the subject of diversity, “Embracing African traditions reminds me of my identity, especially in an environment like Tuks where there are many other ethnic groups. After all, we sing a Setswana song which resonates with me so much: ‘Botho bo simolla ka ditebogo le tlhompho’. It is these African practices that make me who I am.” When asked where she saw Ovuwa in the next three to five years, she responded, “I see Ovuwa on international stages. I am speaking it into existence. I have never seen any other ensemble that does what we do and manages to do it so well, embodying multiple cultures.”
This event was both a mindful way of sharing appreciation for cultural diversity and a beautiful way to speak about South African history through the art of storytelling. Another member of Ovuwa said, “Music is a form of communication. You do not have to know the language to engage, as it accommodates everyone, regardless of their age and diversity.”
Every performance had a theme that portrayed the scenery of ancient Africa, with bright, traditional clothes exploring the richness of culture and graceful movements that got the audience on their feet. The conductor and choir manager, Duda Manamela, closed off the night. He explained that the performances are “the works of the Lord” and how the goal of the ensemble has always been to grow African Pridein a manner that is respectful. He continued, “Diverse as we are, together in joy we celebrate and in pain we endure together. [By] promoting brotherhood and sisterhood from our hearts through our voices, all humanity shall be inspired.”
