Stunning moves, great songs

PREPARATIONS for the 2016 annual Isicathamiya Competition have reached fever pitch at the Durban Playhouse in time for the colourful event that features slick dance, swanky costumes and a cappella rhythms.

This year s event takes place on Saturday and will see more than 100 groups competing for prize money but also bragging rights in the Oswenka and Onobuhle fashion segments.

Isicathamiya is traditional Zulu unaccompanied harmonious singing accompanied by choreographed dance moves performed by mostly male groups.

It was made internationally famous by Ladysmith Black Mambazo but has its roots in the migrant labour system and rural areas of South Africa.

This year also coincides with the 75th birthday of internationally celebrated king of isicathamiya Joseph Shabalala, the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Shabalala was born on August 28 1941. He made his international name

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leading Ladysmith Black Mambazo to three Grammy Awards and several other accolades.

Shabalala retired from performing in 2014 as the group marked over 50 years in the industry having etched a permanent place for isicathamiya in the hearts and minds of art lovers around the world.

We are delighted to host our annual isicathamiya competition as part of The Playhouse Company s mission to promote indigenous South African art forms. The Playhouse mission is to contribute to the culture, arts and heritage of KwaZulu-Natal and the whole country,” said Playhouse CEO and Artistic Director, Linda Bukhosini.

Now in our 19th year, we are excited this year to kick start the build up to the event s 20th edition in 2017. We have no doubt this year will again be a resounding success.”

This year s competition will feature winners from the various regional competitions held around KwaZuluNatal and the Eastern Cape completed in May. Groups will compete in the following categories: Top 20, Standard, Open Section and the colourful Onobuhle (beauty contest for women) and Oswenka (fashion for men).

The all-night event will start at at 7pm at the Playhouse Opera Theatre.

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