Ululations resonated through Recreation Hall at Albany Road, when various art groups performed during the Annual Youth Festival in celebration of Heritage Day last week.
Ululations resonated through Recreation Hall at Albany Road, when various art groups performed during the Annual Youth Festival in celebration of Heritage Day last week.
Although the Grahamstown Heritage Day Youth Festival takes place annually, every year offers more young people opportunities to engage with their community. Song, dance, poetry and drama created a flamboyant and theatrical atmosphere as various talented groups and individuals performed onstage. The rhythmic stampede of groups such as Sakhuluntu, Trappes Valley, Gen-x and G’town Pantsula shook to the stage. Local artist, Prince Shapiro played two instruments: an Ndebele instrument called a storotoro and an African thumb piano called an Imbira. Gen-x, a group from the coloured area filled the hall with their a hip and happening breakdancing routine and Art Factory from Hlalani performed a humorous piece which mocked different social challenges such as alcohol abuse and crime.
Vuyo Booi, Sakhuluntu co-ordinator, addressed the youth about the role they play in the society. "We are not doing this for our own gain but for the children in our community," said Booi. He also said that by involving young people in art activities prepares them to be good leaders. Representatives from the Student HIV/Aids Resistance Campaign (Sharc) from Rhodes also addressed the audience about the various challenges faced by those infected and affected by HIV/Aids. In an effort to raise funds, secondhand clothes were on sale at the door at affordable prices. "Cultural and creative activity is essential for growth," said by Merran Marr, the Sakhuluntu chairperson who urged the youth to stand up for their right to an education.
