LIKHWEZI ARTS PROJECT

Based in Cape Town

Likhwezi arts project is a group of talented performing artists who has achieved recognition in different arts disciplines. The group's repertoire combines song and dance from a variety of Southern African Cultures, accompanied by marimba, drums & percussion.

Likhwezi have been involved in many different productions local, national & internationally as performers and African music and dance teachers, with a wide range of talent qualification and experience.

PROFILE

Likhwezi, meaning "morning star", is made up of a variety of members. The group was established by PAMELA MTATI in February 2003. The group soon expanded to include the teaching of dance & music to the children from its own disadvantage community.

Members of the Likhwezi were previously trained from different arts background like the University of Cape Town, artscape and have been performers since 1983.

To increase their skills they have worked with highly recognized artist such as Alfred Hinkel of Jazzart, Paul Ramalley of UCT, and many local, national & international artists.

Performing at local private functions really came as a groundbreaking for many young performers of the LIKHWEZI especially those venturing in the mainstream of art and those that seek a platform to showcase their original works.

THE GROUP HAS PERFORMED FOR, a.o.:

Collaborations with well-known artists both nationally & internationally.
Featured as village dancers in the Patrick Swayz movie 'King of Solomon" (Nov 2003).
International Conference (JCQ) at Groot Constancia
Roskilde Festival, Denmark
Aids week (Love life), V & A Waterfront
Women's Month, City of Cape Town
Children's month, Castle of Good Hope
Cape Town Festival, Artscape
Tourist entertainment various venues & agents
Dance festival Baxter Theatre
Heritage day & Youth DAy celebrations
Cruise ships, various harbours

PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

A variety of performars are available through the Likhwezi arts project. The following are the most popular outfits:

• Marimba & dance; male & female - 8 members
• Dance group (Variety styles); male & female - 8 members
• Marimba background music female, male or both
• Likhwezi Band (Western and Afro-Jazz)

SCHOOL ARTS PROJECT - young singers & dancers aged between 6yrs -18yrs

•  Play marimba
•  DANCE (African, contemporary, pansula jive, gumboot dance, kwela dance etc)
•  Children's choir
•  African dots - face paint
•  Praise poet
•  Indigenous instruments & western instruments
•  Drum therapy