Duze shows solidarity in traditional South African songs
Duze Nomshikashika is a group of some 16 enthousiastic people in The Netherlands who sing exclusively South African traditional songs in languages like Xhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho. Our repertoire contains material we learned directly from choirs in South Africa. We sing out of a genuine concern with the people of South Africa.
“Singing connects people and stimulates solidarity.
says Mandela.
Music has a power to challenge politics”
Founded in solidarity
Duze Nomshikashika was founded in the mid 1980’s, out of concern for those South Africans suffering under the system of apartheid. During this period Duze Nomshikashika sang in solidarity with the people striving for change, for peace and equality based on mutual respect. We continue singing to retain the focus on South Africa and its beautiful and powerful musical heritage.
| The Zwelihle choir teaches Duze Nomshikashika a new song: Nothemba. Recorded in South Africa in 2004 during the study trip by the Duze choir. Rehearsing is singing along as can be seen here. | Duze Nomshikashika choir live before a South African audience in 2004. The audience consisted of members of choirs of all socio-cultural, religious and ethnic differences. Their enthousiasm was well heard and much appreciated. |
Duze Nomshikashika in action
Duze Nomshikashika performs on about 12 concerts a year. We stimulate audience participation. We also offer workshops to interested groups or other choirs.
Duze Nomshikashika and Nelson Mandela
In 2002 we were invited to sing for Nelson Mandela when he received the Four Freedom Award from The Roosevelt Foundation in Middelburg, The Netherlands. Among many dignitaries were Queen Beatrix, other members of the Royal Family, members of the Cabinet and other world famous figures.
First study trip to South Africa in 1999
In 1999 we visited South Africa, and sang in workshops and joint performances with several South African choirs. We experienced the songs joining the original musicians in the areas they live and work. We learnt about the important role of music in every day life. It was an empowering experience for everyone who took part. For this encouraged us to continue to sing, we built and consolidated a bond, showing solidarity by singing together - a powerful tool as South African history has shown!
Second study trip to South Africa March 2004
In march 2004 Duze Nomshikashika spent again two weeks of participating in workshops and performaning on stage together with local choirs. We organised a Festival of Song that brought together local choirs, bridging the gap between people separated by socio-cultural, religious and ethnic differences.
We learnt new inspiring songs about emotive issues of daily life in South Africa - the fight against HIV/Aids and the care for orphans. We learnt a song which says: "We must return home, they miss us" which was originally sung by anti-apartheid activists, exiled for their political aims, who wanted to return home.
We worked intensively with the Zwehlihle Adult Choir in Hermanus. We were reunited with the Noncedo Movement Choir in Villiersdorp and the Khayalitsha Spiritual Choir from Cape Town. We sang solidarity songs with an ex-prisoner, now tour guide, on Robben Island. In the beautiful Valley of a Thousand Hills we spent a week with the Choir from Ethembeni School for Handicapped Children. In Durban we worked with the choir from Sinekithemba, a centre which cares for and supports people infected with HIV/Aids and their families. "Aids kills, but we are united" is one of the songs we learnt. We deeply respect the people who have to deal with the enourmous problems aids presents.
We thank all the people we met sincerely.
This trip is co-made possible by the Fonds Amateurkunst Podiumkunsten (FAKP) and other organisations, business and people in The Netherlands.
Siyabulela
In 2007 the conductor of the Zwehlihle Adult Choir deceased after a car-accident. Siyabulela was the young and talented music teacher and conductor who inspired us very much during our stay in Zwhehlihle. We keep on singing the songs het taught us. He sings on in our hearts.
Duze Nomshikashika Projects
Duze Nomshikashika supports some small-scale community based projects in South Africa. With all of them we remain personal contact.
Togenther with the Dutch foundation SCOS Culemborg,
we supported a Day Care Centre in Villiersdorp i.e a safe place for
children, enabling the parents to work.
Together with Stichting Projecten Zuid Afrika (SPZA) we co financed a
music (marimba) project of the Waldorf school in Zwehlihle. With
teacher Kamber the children won several prices. Also with SPZA we
support a school sponsor project, as to enable vulnerable children to
have access to education.