Even though the fifty-four countries of Africa have distinct cultural identities of their own, there runs a common thread of cultural heritage of age-old music and dance forms of the continent – which provide an insight into their distant past and unique tribal themes and percussive rhythms. Troupes from five different African countries – South Africa, Rwanda, Tunisia, Malawi and Nigeria – performed for Delhi-ites this week under the auspices of the Africa Festival organized by the ICCR.
Dressed in bright costumes and using spears, shields and even pots, they matched steps to the roaring beat of the drums - portraying a blend of African culture, both traditional and the modern.
The Rwandan National Ballet group 'Urukerereza' dressed in traditional Ibitako costume - beaded halter strings and white wrap, presented their nation's folklore - drawing from different styles. Very colourful, all artists apparently sing as well as dance, having developed musical ability and dancing skills simultaneously.
"Ubuhle Besintu" or the Beauty of Culture, was a lively mix of traditional and contemporary dances presented by the South Africans who consider themselves a 'rainbow nation'. An operatic rendition in traditional Zulu, Ubuhle Besintu included acts from the ethnic Sepedi, Xhosa, Zulu, Tsonga, Venda and Gumboots (a miner's jig) – showcasing the whole spectrum of its peoples and cultures based on indigenous dances against a contemporary backdrop.
The Malawi with their "Aka Kwacha" did not impress too much even with their exhaustive repertoire, despite their dances leaning on the interesting theme of girl reaching puberty. The Nigerian percussionists were good, and their medicine man partially compensated for the stereotyped steps and movements of its mediocre selections for an international exposure. But the musical ensemble 'Ifriga' by the Tunisian troupe using stones and olive sticks to produce myriad sounds was unique – a concert that reflected the influence of Islam on Tunisian culture.
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