The Group
Siyaya is 20 years old this year. Firmly rooted in Makokoba, Bulawayo’s oldest township, Siyaya Arts was started in 1989 as NASA (Nostalgic Actors & Singers Alliance). We rechristened ourselves Siyaya (On the Move) during our 10th anniversary; a literal description of our journeys all over the world, as well as of an identity, an ethos, and a heartfelt belief, the name could not be more apt. The ‘nostalgia’ Siyaya was founded upon refers to the powerful reinterpretation of traditional tales, music, and dance, which is often brought to life by relating them to their modern derivatives. Touring throughout Europe and Africa and directed by Saimon Mambazo Phiri, Siyaya has gained a good reputation particularly for imaginative manipulation and use of social issues in our music.
The Shows
“Colourful, climactic and bursting at the seams with energy, the Zimbabwean song, dance and drum troupe Siyaya puts much of the competition to shame with Thatha. As one performer explains half way through: ‘For us, song and dance is not a luxury, but a necessity.’ Their acoustic set relates the hard times and the joy of life on the African subcontinent. Siyaya’s rousing music and tightly choreographed dance transcends the language barrier. It’s a veritable tour de force of African forms — traditional and contemporary. They use the heavier Ghanaian Djembe bass drum, alongside the smaller Zimbabwean Ngoma, with South African and Zimbabwean dance routines.”
Current Productions
Thatha
An audience favourite in the last two years! Fresh from Africa, colourful, climactic, and bursting at the seams with energy, the spectacular celebration of song, dance, and life in Africa returns to Europe. As seen at Glastonbury, Edinburgh, WOMAD, Africa Calling, & Live 8. Travelling around Africa, treading over borders, crushing language barriers, Siyaya takes you on a journey that uncovers the joys of life through traditional and contemporary African song and dance. This is bound to take you to another level!
OnkeOse
“Many Musics, Many Dances, One People.” History meets today, social meets spiritual, and political meets the ‘not so political’ to tell the story of Zimbabwe through song and dance. Stunning traditional & Township song & dance from the heart of the townships in Bulawayo, celebrating the greatest African instrument — the human voice. Live on-stage, the male & female singers, dancers, musicians, and actors are exciting and uplifting. “As temperature-raisers they are nothing short of spectacular! The jubilant enthusiasm is infectious and, by the end, this crowd is cheering for an encore.” Metro
Zambezi Express
Zambezi Express is the brand new show coming out in July 2009. With 30 artists from Zimbabwe celebrating the culture of Africa, Zambezi Express is a brilliant combination of music, dance , song, and circus. A perfect chemistry of sight and sound. Out of Africa, Out of Breath! Now taking booking.
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“….probably the best day of African music ever seen in the UK. The artists surpassed themselves, providing one amazement after another.” (fRoots)
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[post_content] => This is Siyaya’s second album. “Kokobatown“ is what we prefer to call our home, Makokoba. Besides singing praise to Makokoba, the music in Kokoba Town touches on social issues. 14 tracks of township music, some of them from the theatre show.
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Newest Release
Futhi – Njalo (meaning again and again) is a philosophy and a belief that we will and have paved the way for Zimbabwe’s township arts and we hope to continue to pave the way again and again. Futhi – Njalo is Siyaya’s 3rd CD album, a first in producing a double album and also introducing our brand new sound fusing Marimba, Hosho, Ingungu and other percussion instruments. Welcome to the new Siyaya.
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