Sounds from the rainbow nation

For the first time ever, the Embassy of South Africa brought a music and dance group from its rainbow nation to the Filipinos, specifically to the music-loving Cebuanos. The musical showcase was part of the recent South Africa Food & Wine Festival in Cebu that had the theme “Come celebrate South Africa, a Calabash of Cape Wine, Cuisine and Culture” which was held at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.

Aside from the celebration of cuisine and wine, one of the highlights were the Umzansi Gumba Group who performed live during the South Africa Food & Wine Festival series of events and a special show at the Ayala Terraces made possible by the Embassy of South Africa, Ayala Center Cebu, The Outpost, Sala Foundation and the Cebu Arts Council.

For those whose impression of South African music was limited to reggae sounds plus the image of weed-smoking singers and their colorful rastafari attires, hearing Umzansi Gumba (which in English means “The Sound of South Africa”) live in an open-air venue became an instant appreciation to the musical artistry emanating from this country that has had a difficult, colorful and rich history.

The talented group was made up of Cathrine Nhlapo, Dumisani Hlela and Aveline Twala. Jamming with them that night were local percusssionists coming from The Outpost, Sala Foundation and the Cebu Arts Council, and even our very own Budoy took to the stage and gave a South African twist to his famous “Original Sigbin” song with the South African visitors providing him the beats using their drumbeats, jambas and marracas.

A well-applauded number was the group’s rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, the famous song from the Disney movie “The Lion King”.

Vocal music is the oldest traditional music known in South Africa. It was communal, accompanied by dances, festive drumbeats, and involved elaborate call-and-response patterns. The chanting common in South African music could be an expression of many emotions: it could be a cry for happiness, of celebration or of struggle.

“South Africa has been through a lot, so we express ourselves through music. But what we did tonight was just have fun...the chanting is a celebration because we are celebrating the 350th year of South African wine,” said Cathrine, who served as the trio’s spokesperson.

She added: “Our music is about our culture. We have 11 official languages in South Africa, we’re just happy that we’re able to speak all the languages and sing different kinds of music.”

Umzansi Gumba has already performed in many countries such as Australia, Vienna, Beijing, India, Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium.

This was their first visit to the Philippines and Cathrine said they were loving their stay in Cebu as “everything, the food, the people, your music is very nice...”