Manyano “The Spirit of Ubuntu” is a celebration of South African music and dance. This authentic and electrifying production showcases dance and music from different cultures within South Africa namely: Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Tsonga, Venda, Swati, Pedi, Khoisan, Tswana, and Sotho, which later culminates in the never-before-seen Manyano dance celebration, where all the different cultural groups come together in unison to create a Rainbow Nation Celebration. Also featured in this production are South African social dances such as Pantsula, Gumboots, Sophia Town/Kofifi, street dance, and the latest trending music dance genre Amapiano. The production is a ritual ceremony that calls ancient ancestors of the different cultures that are found in South Africa to restore the Spirit of Ubuntu to guide the nation to the next 30 Years of a True Democracy. Manyano’s world premiere was at the 6th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival 2023 and it was restaged in September at Artscape Heritage Festival.
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CREDITS
Producer: Elvis Sibeko Studios
Associate Producers: Artscape
Director, Choreographer, Music Composer: Elvis Sibeko
Music Director and Songwriter: Zimbini Makwetu
Assistance music composer and Band Master: Inga Batala
Lighting Designer: Faheem Bardien
Sound Technician: Liam Cookson
Stage Manager: Monique Boucher
Projection Designer: Kirsti Cumming
Costume and Make-up Designer: Thandi Swaartbooi
Stage Designer: Elvis Sibeko
Dancers: BABA YAYA Dancers
Lead Singers: Zimbini, Sandë, uNdlunkulu uQamata, Black Pearls
Backing Vocalists: Siphesihle Nkantini, Unathi Mbalane, Lusanda Soboyise, Asisipho Matomane
Band: Khayalethu Njikelana (Drummer), Grant Allison (Bass), Sakhumzi Mamputa (Guitar), Inga Batala (Keys, MIDI keys & Band Master), Andile Kraai (African Percussionist)
Photographer and Videographer: Valentino Cinga Dokoda