Siyaya head for Dorset (From Dorset Echo)

Siyaya head for Dorset

9:25am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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LAST November, the ten-piece Zimbabwean male ensemble Umdumo WeSizwe took rural Dorset by storm. This month, Umdumo’s sister company Siyaya comes to Dorset for two exclusive performances, plus a public singing workshop.

Artsreach spokeswoman Delphine Jones said: “Colourful, climactic and bursting at the seams with energy, this 15-piece Zimbabwean song, dance and drum troupe’s rousing music and tightly choreographed dance transcends the language barrier.”

Comprising both male and female members, Siyaya are a tour-de-force of traditional and contemporary African forms, relating to the hard times and the joy of life in African townships, particularly their hometown Bulawayo.

Ghanaian and Zimbabwean drums provide the rhythm to Siyaya’s life-affirming dance routines.

Delphine added: “Coming from a country in political unrest, the ensemble – like Umdumo WeSizwe – have a remarkably strong spirit, and an infectiously joyful, uplifting outlook. This truly is music and dance for the soul. As the group says, ‘For us, song and dance is not a luxury, but a necessity’.”

This year marks their 20th anniversary. The celebrations here in Dorset take place in Lytchett Minster School on Friday, July 10 (7pm, call 01202 622413) and at the Cecil Memorial Hal, Cranborne on Saturday, July 11 at 7.30pm (call 01725 517028).

Ahead of their evening performance at Cranborne, Siyaya will be leading an African a cappella singing workshop open to all ages (over eight) and abilities.

This is a chance to explore the human voice and sing harmonies. The workshop also incorporates South African traditional dance. The workshop runs from 3.30pm to 5.15pm (£4 if booked with evening show/£5 workshop only).

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