Coming from the township dance has always been an important part of our lives
Coming from the township, dance has always been an important part of our lives. Today this medium of expression is breaking social and racial divides.
Traditionally you'd get two different groups of dancers in the townships, Pantsula (kwaito) and Hip-hop, and they would never mix. In fact the two groups would occasionally get into a physical battle.
Post-apartheid South Africa spawned new genres of dance ekasi, like kwasa and sbujwa. And they joined the dance feud. That was how it was in our days anyway, when Le Club was sill the place to be. But attending the Explosive Dance Battles auditions, the day before Heritage Day, it dawned on me that these kids might have broken these divides and are literally living a life that many of our forefathers only dreamed of. Walking amongst these kids felt almost unreal, because racial and social background didn't seem to be a factor at all.
These kids come together for one common goal; to battle for the 'best dancer title', wearing brightly coloured clothing that encourages a very positive and happy mood. The battles usually have themes that reflect social ills like drug abuse. "Save kasi from Nyaupe", which means save the township from drugs (Nyaupe is particulalrly bad mix of weed and dirty heroin), was the theme of this paticular event, held at the Moletsane Sport Complex in Soweto. The auditions were for the main event on the 30th October, with special guests Mandoza and Phile from the television show LIVE.
For all those who are worried that Mzansi is going to the pits, rest assured it's in good hands. These kids battling for a better Mzansi. This is a heritage future South African generations will surely enjoy.
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What Others Said
POSTER RICCO said
on 24 June 2010
NICE COMPAING KEEP IT HOT IM ALSO A BHUJWA DANCER
Santa Banda said
on 30 September 2009
Let us know of these "U got served" contests ekasi
