Horsemen and song mark colourful AmaMpondo heritage gig
By Lucas Ledwaba on 11 September 2023
The Nkunzimagunyana - an iindlavini group from Matshona in Ntabankulu during the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
THE traditional songs of the Mpondo people resonated through the great hills high in Matshona – one of many picturesque villages clinging precariously to the waves of mountains that flow mightily along the valleys of the Ntabankulu municipal area of the Eastern Cape.
A horseman entertains the crowds during the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival in Matshona village at the weekend. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
Lucas Ledwaba captured the event which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Mpondo people and is now in its 17th year through the lens.
Members of the Nkunzimagunyana an iindlavini group – kept proceedings lit with spirited performances. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
The Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival hosted by Inkosi Jongintaba Sigcau of the Lwandlolubomvu Traditional Council is part of countrywide festivities to celebrate Heritage Month.
Heritage Month is celebrated annually in September to celebrated the country’s diverse culture and heritage.
It wasn’t just music that kept attendees to the cultural festival but kilograms of meat that was cooked or roasted on open fires. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
The United Nations Education and Scientific Council (Unesco) says about heritage: “Heritage constitutes a source of identity and cohesion for communities disrupted by bewildering change and economic instability.”
Gumboot dancers put up a spirited performance. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
“Creativity contributes to building open, inclusive and pluralistic societies. Both heritage and creativity lay the foundations for vibrant, innovative and prosperous knowledge societies.”
Celebrated traditional music artist Ntombe Thongo gave an electrified performance that got VIPs, royals and ordinary folk on their feet. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
The ocassion was graced by representatives of amakhosi from different parts of the country.
Cultural traditional dancers take a breather to enjoy a drink and meat in the shade before returning to entertain guests. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
A member of a delegation from the Bapedi Mampuru traditional council from Limpopo showed up in a stunning porcupine quill headgear. Photo: Lucas LedwabaA guest shows appreciation to the spirited performance by Ntombethongo. Photo: Lucas LedwabaA Bapedi praise poet renders an item to the delight of guests. Photo: Lucas LedwabaWho said ladies and gents can’t have fun together in traditional song and dance? Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
The government has called on all South Africans to use Heritage Month to foster greater social cohesion, nation building and a shared national identity. – news@mukurukuru.co.za
Refreshing!