Tsepa performers hit the international stage

Tswelopele Performing Artists (Tswepa), under the leadership of Tembisa-based theatre legend Oupa Malatjie, have made it on the world stage.

Tswepa artists took part in the Kreol Festival and Laserenad Enternasyonal de Victoria in the capital region of the Seychelles, Mahe Island.

Tswepa left South Africa on October 20 and gave two performances at the International Conference Centre de Victoria, where their performance thrilled an international audience.

Among the other countries and islands that were represented at the festival were India, the UK, Rodrigues, Mauritius, Reunion Island, the Seychelles and Agalega, to name a few.

Tswepa featured Ntsiki Homeland – a jazz musician based in Olifantsfontein – and the Momathema Cultural Music Group from Bushbuckridge, who were on fire when they performed the song and dance show directed by Malatjie at Beau Vallon Beach on October 29.

Besides performing, the South African crew members were invited by local artists and NGOs to cultural exchange workshops.

“Taking part in this festival helps us to sustain our working relationship with the outside world, which is contributing to our national and international profile,” said Malatjie. “This kind of interaction will ensure that the vulnerable youths of this country and those from the Indian Ocean Islands and SADC at large are provided with adequate opportunities to unlock their potential. It will enable them to showcase their talents and compete with their counterparts on the world stage.”

Malatjie said it helped to promote social cohesion. It addressed issues of discrimination and xenophobia in artists’ respective countries. More importantly, participation in such events will be a potent instrument to help wean youth off dangerous tendencies.

The event has exposed Tswepa to different cultures, which is the most powerful way of promoting international understanding and peace.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime which allows people of other countries to experience different cultures while planting the seed of international understanding. It will create a platform of interaction and collaboration in the performing arts as well as cultural and traditional activities.

“As Tswepa we believe such events will accelerate social cohesion between the Indian Ocean countries and SADC in general. It will assist us in eradicating the notion of xenophobia, discrimination and all forms of oppression which are rife in our country,” said Malatjie.

Tswepa will be back in the country on November 2. All the performers are looking forward to taking part in an international arts festival in Rodrigues in December.

“We would like to thank Ekurhuleni Tourism and the Department of Economic Development for contributing T-shirts and caps to us. Their contribution helped us to look the same during the carnival on October 28 while branding our Ekurhuleni region. We would like to thank Bakone Royal Council for their contribution and for the support rendered throughout the festival,” added Malatjie.

For more information on Tswepa, call 083 486 6790.