Sunday Sun May 23 2004, It’s just a girl thing!
All-female drum troupe set to take Netherlands by storm
By SAM MATHE
SunFun
For ages drumming has been a male domain, particularly in Africa. But recently, a six-piece, all-girl group decided to defy convention and break this stereotype.
Basadi Le Meropa, “Women and Drums”, is a dySunFun
For ages drumming has been a male domain, particularly in Africa. But recently, a six-piece, all-girl group decided to defy convention and break this stereotype.
Basadi Le Meropa, “Women and Drums”, is a dynamic, versatile act that incorporates various styles.
The troupe expresses South Africa’s cultural vitality and diversity through vibrant dance styles that include indlamu, gumboot, township jive and pantsula – all accompanied by powerful vocals and vibrant drumming.
Basadi Le Meropa is based at Drum Cafe in Newtown, a music and artistic centre that opened in 1997.
“Drum Cafe is an interactive drum company for corporate, social and public events,” explains Franka Insinger, the artistic director and facilitator.
“As a company, it offers services such as team-building, stress relief and sheer entertainment through the power of the drum beat.”
Basadi Le Meropa comprises Lerato Ndlovu, Nomsa Khoza, Mpho Rasenyalo, Khensani Kubayi, Tiny Modise and Juliet Qhobosheane, all from Soweto. Their ages range between 19 and 29.
Dutch-born Franka came to South Africa with her parents in 1982 when she was 12. She was introduced to township culture through plays like Bopha, Asinamali and Sophiatown at The Market Theatre in the 80s. A saxophonist, she was a member of the Lesotho supergroup, Sankomota, in the early 90s and lists Mozambican-born Choppa among the artists with whom she has recently collaborated. However, she has no illusions of being an expert on township culture.
“When it comes to choreographing for performances, it is entirely the girls’ responsibility,” she says. “I am merely a facilitator.”
As performers, Basadi Le Meropa have impressed audiences at venues such as The Castle in Kyalami, Midrand, The Dome in Northgate, Randburg, and Boksburg stadium.
They are one of the most sought after acts at corporate functions.
Their raw energy, wide repertoire and natural abilities haven’t gone unnoticed by overseas scouts, who are always on the lookout for what can be regarded as authentic African talent.
Thanks to visiting Dutch talent scouts who approached Franka, the girls have been invited to perform at the annual Festival Mundial in Tilburg, the Netherlands.
“I hope the audience there will enjoy our show and am looking forward to the tour with the hope of getting more offers to perform in other countries,” says Lerato Ndlovu, the group’s dance instructor, and at 29, its most senior member.
In 2002, Ndlovu toured the Netherlands as a dancer in the cast of Stamping, a musical by Peter Otti.
A passionate dancer, she runs a dance school in Soweto with fellow choreographers Nkosana Mzolo and Duma Nhlapho.
“Basadi is about women empowerment and solid proof that granted equal opportunities, women can achieve great things independent from men,” she says.namic, versatile act that incorporates various styles.
The troupe expresses South Africa’s cultural vitality and diversity through vibrant dance styles that include indlamu, gumboot, township jive and pantsula – all accompanied by powerful vocals and vibrant drumming.
Basadi Le Meropa is based at Drum Cafe in Newtown, a music and artistic centre that opened in 1997.
“Drum Cafe is an interactive drum company for corporate, social and public events,” explains Franka Insinger, the artistic director and facilitator.
“As a company, it offers services such as team-building, stress relief and sheer entertainment through the power of the drum beat.”
Basadi Le Meropa comprises Lerato Ndlovu, Nomsa Khoza, Mpho Rasenyalo, Khensani Kubayi, Tiny Modise and Juliet Qhobosheane, all from Soweto. Their ages range between 19 and 29.
Dutch-born Franka came to South Africa with her parents in 1982 when she was 12. She was introduced to township culture through plays like Bopha, Asinamali and Sophiatown at The Market Theatre in the 80s. A saxophonist, she was a member of the Lesotho supergroup, Sankomota, in the early 90s and lists Mozambican-born Choppa among the artists with whom she has recently collaborated. However, she has no illusions of being an expert on township culture.
“When it comes to choreographing for performances, it is entirely the girls’ responsibility,” she says. “I am merely a facilitator.”
As performers, Basadi Le Meropa have impressed audiences at venues such as The Castle in Kyalami, Midrand, The Dome in Northgate, Randburg, and Boksburg stadium.
They are one of the most sought after acts at corporate functions.
Their raw energy, wide repertoire and natural abilities haven’t gone unnoticed by overseas scouts, who are always on the lookout for what can be regarded as authentic African talent.
Thanks to visiting Dutch talent scouts who approached Franka, the girls have been invited to perform at the annual Festival Mundial in Tilburg, the Netherlands.
“I hope the audience there will enjoy our show and am looking forward to the tour with the hope of getting more offers to perform in other countries,” says Lerato Ndlovu, the group’s dance instructor, and at 29, its most senior member.
In 2002, Ndlovu toured the Netherlands as a dancer in the cast of Stamping, a musical by Peter Otti.
A passionate dancer, she runs a dance school in Soweto with fellow choreographers Nkosana Mzolo and Duma Nhlapho.
“Basadi is about women empowerment and solid proof that granted equal opportunities, women can achieve great things independent from men,” she says.
