Traditional group makes a difference in young lives

A local traditional group called Inyakaza, founded in 2012 by young people, is committed to promoting culture.

Speaking to Mpumalanga News, the assistant conductor of the group, Goodwell Mawela, said that the reason for the group’s formation was because they loved music and wanted to encourage people not to forget their culture, especially the youth.

“We were singing in different groups, so we decided to form one local traditional group. What makes us different is that most of our songs are traditional. Even if it’s a gospel song, we use a traditional style. It’s not all about entertaining people, but to use our talent to make a difference in other people’s lives. Music is a universal medium,” said Mawela.

In some communities young people indulge in drugs and crime because they don’t have recreational activities to entertain themselves. Inyaka is not only focused on music, members of the group also get an opportunity to teach others about morals and discipline and it plays a significant role in terms of keeping them off the streets. He indicated that their aim was not to make a name locally only, internationally too.

“Our biggest dream is to represent South Africa in other countries and showcase what makes us unique,” he said.

Even though the group has dreams, financial constraints are limiting them since they don’t have sponsors, but according to Mawelela, it is not a stumbling block. “Currently we don’t have sponsors, but we are surviving with the little that we have. We have managed to buy uniforms and other instruments that we are using,” he added.