Abafazi Be Ngoma

Abafazi Be Ngoma (women in song) celebrates the power of women through song and dance. When they enter the stage dressed in their vibrant African inspired costumes some stationed in front of a marimba or drum while others positioned to sing, dance or narrate – be ready to find yourself dancing and singing along to the evocative rhythms of Africa.

Abafazi Be Ngoma members

Abafazi Be Ngoma is an all women cast from different walks of life who tell incredible stories of their lives through electrifying performances and also paying homage to past and present African songbirds. The globetrotting cast of 10 is made up of 1. Dikeledi Mathibela, 2. Tiny Modise, 3. Pertunia Nomsa Khoza, 4. Nosipho Mtotoba, 5. Nonhlanhla “Nomvula” Radebe, 6. Xolisiwe Mjali, 7. Nompumelelo Felicia Lumka, 8. Juliet Moyo, 9. Nkhensani Khubayi, and 10. Matshidiso Mokoka

Abafazi Be Ngoma performances

Abafazi Be Ngoma high-energy performances have seen them constantly performing on stages around South Africa and internationally, putting them in class of their own. They have collectively performed in places like Europe, USA, Japan, The Netherlands, China, Jamaica, North Africa, Korea, Scotland and other. Also unique to Abafazi be Ngoma is that these women produce, direct and stage design their own shows and have collectively created their costumes and drumming kit as part of their creative women empowerment program.

One of the founding members of the group Ms. Tiny Modise remembers fondly how a drum circle jam-session back in 2014 sparked the idea of forming an all-women female drumming, dancing, singing, acting and African indigenous instruments band. “Our main aim is to inspire and motivate women all over the world and to demonstrate the struggles and joys of women through song. Abafazi be Ngoma is the voice of the African child,” says Ms. Modise

According to Abafazi be Ngoma’s Brand manager, Abafazi be Ngoma mandate is not only to promote women and youth participation in arts development projects but to develop performances that are meaningful and appropriate to the life experiences of the communities, including issues such as gender equality. The cast also aims to forge African and international collaboration that foster cultural exchange and a proudly South African brand.

“Our mission is to use the creative medium of performing arts to train, educate, develop and empower youth and adults within the varying South African socio-economic communities and contributing towards job creation and poverty alleviation,” Ms. Modise.

Abafazi be Ngoma received great media reviews on their recent tour last year (2017) when they performed 67 shows sold out shows in Netherlands. Among other international tours, the group is also gearing up for their Holland tour next year (2019) where 25 percent of tickets are sold in less than a month of the announcement.

In South Africa Abafazi Be Ngoma performs on different performance spaces including corporate events, festivals pop up, awards ceremonies, community and stadium events.