Kwa Mashu Performance Arts

Zulu ceremonial dress made in Kwa Mashu.

© Chris Marais

• Email
• Tweet
• Print

Kwa Mashu township is most notable for its lively and indigenous performance arts scene. Although the residents of KwaMashu have to cope with a slew of blights, including high incidence of violence, crime and high infection rates of HIV, the township sprouts a lively performing arts scene including hip hop, pantsula dancing, contemporary dance, amateur drama, and Maskandi music.

Maskandi is traditional Zulu music, and is deeply rooted in the Zulu culture. It is precisely because of this raft of hardships - most prevalent in South African townships - that Kwa Mashu's residents fight adversity with their art.

They are attempting to redress the social injustices of the bitter Apartheid-era, in the Kwa Mashu history annals, through the dynamism of the arts, a creative tonic of sorts. Through performance the young people of Kwa Mashu are raising the cultural profile of Kwa Mashu township, aided significantly by the skills, resources and direction of the eKhaya Multi Arts Centre for Arts and Performance.

Highlights of a tour to the South Africa township of Kwa Mashu include a fascinating glimpse into the bustling neighbourhood life of Kwa Mashu and its adjoining, smaller townships; and a consultation with a traditional herbalist and sangoma - but be warned, you'll need a strong stomach for some of the more exotic tonics.

A pit stop at one of the local orphanages brings home a poignant point. Also be sure to visit to some of Kwa Mashu's finest shebeens (informal bars) where you can slake your thirst on umqombithi, traditional African home-brewed beer, and fill your tummy with local delicacies.

Work off the kilos by bopping kwaito style - a rousing, energetic, contemporary African dance - that will leave you breathless and glowing! A visit to Kwa Mashu township is a unique, emotional and sensory experience, not easily forgotten.