Music and dance is a large part of African culture. In South Africa, both demonstrate the diversity of the country’s culture, while paying homage to time-honored traditions.

African instruments have always been multi-functional tools. Often built from animal tusks, gourds, and wood, instruments continue to be important in fulfilling daily tasks of indigenous rural communities. For example, the vuvuzela is a long horn instrument made popular worldwide during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I was surprised to learn that the vuvuzela’s original form was an antelope antler and its purpose was to call villagers to gatherings. Similarly, traditional flutes help herd cattle, and ankle rattles call upon spirits in religious ceremonies.

In Johannesburg, I visited the Drum Cafe where music expert Warren Lieberman gave me a crash course in unique African instruments. He invited my fellow travellers and me to join in a drum circle. Following Warren’s lead, I copied his rhythms, and soon the room filled with a deep harmonious sound.

Like African music, African dance is a form of artistic expression that tells stories, shares emotions, and creates connections.

In 1978, Sylvia Glasser originally started Moving Into Dance as an all-white dance company. After witnessing the injustices that black and coloured South Africans faced under Apartheid, Sylvia used dance to instigate change. By integrating her dance company she started a non-verbal dialogue between groups of people that weren’t speaking.

Sylvia invited me to watch her dance company rehearse. I most enjoyed the gumboot dancing, which is performed wearing large rubber rain boots or gumboots. This uniquely southern African dance originated in gold mines in the early 19th century. Talking was usually prohibited, so workers developed a non-verbal system of communication - stomping their feet and slapping their rubber boots to sound out messages.

Next: Entertainment and the struggle to express yourself.

© 2010 ProjectExplorer.org. All Rights Reserved.