Africa Umoja

Umoja, the spirit of togetherness, is one of South Africa’s pride and joy. Travelling on the beats of drums, Umoja is a musical theatre that transports the audience into the history of South African music and dance.

24 countries have already embraced Umoja, as they showcase traditional love songs, lullabies and other musical expressions of rural life. The audience has also cried along in the city streets, listening to music reflecting the pain of the migrant labourers and their families. The tale dances through Shebeens and the cultural melting-pot of Sophiatown. The heart is saddened by cold stories of forced removals yet the feet continue to stomp along with the explosions of gumboot dancing. There are also the reminiscent sounds of the vibrant jazz that forced its way free from the constraints of the times. The audiences will relate to names such as Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) and the late Dolly Radebe, while a thread of gospel music running through the tale recalls the huge helpings of faith and courage. This saw black South Africans through some of the country’s stormiest historical passages.

Despite its occasional moments of reflection and pathos, Umoja is a loud, colourful, and jubilant celebration of life that audiences no whatever their cultural backgrounds, have found infectiously delightful and uplifting. The 50-piece cast is made up from a myriad of South African cultures and has its own touching story to tell and the cast have all come from poor backgrounds and have never had previous exposure or training. Most of the cast were street kids from Soweto and untrained artists from the townships. Umoja has grown immensely over the last couple of years not only have they become well-loved overseas, but they have made a positive path for South Africa. On top of all of this, Umoja has won the Sama Award for the best DVD for 2005, have been awarded the Arts & Culture Heritage Award in Canada, as well as being nominated for several other awards

 

What The Reviewers Have Already Said:

"Enough energy to light up London. I defy anyone to leave this hit dance musical feeling anything less than elated." - Daily Telegraph, London

‘A jaw-dropping spectacle’  - NOW, Canada

‘This show delivers the goods, no matter how many times one sees it’ - The Globe and Mail, Canada

"I have never seen such energy and grace on stage and the finale had the audience on their feet for standing ovation after standing ovation." - Irish World

‘The standing ovations are obvious enough’  - National Post, Canada

‘A burning desire to tell their story & they don’t let the audience down’  - The Globe and Mail, Canada

"A breath-taking and vibrant spectacular which assails every one of your senses. Definitely the hottest show in town,"  The Northern Echo, London

"The chandelier-shaking voices are certainly enough to make you feel ashamed to be sitting still (and indeed it received a standing ovation)."  - Metro, London