Creative arts practitioner Yakha Mlali promised a spiritual awakening of mind, body, and soul, and he delivered. Fusing ancient traditional dance and modern moves, Mlali stunned and captivated his audience with his electrifying performance during his production, Iingoma Zomnqungqo on a Road with Yakha Mlali, at the East London Guild Theatre recently.
Mlali told the Express that he composed all the songs for the show. “The production tells stories of Umkhonto Ontlangothi-mbini wakwamoya, meaning Believing in God while also acknowledging your ancestors, because that is where I find my guidance.
Born and raised in Dimbaza by his traditional healer mother, the constant drumbeating, song and dance of traditional ceremonies and rituals developed his artistic identity. However, it was in 2017 when he started composing songs and versifying.
“Even though we are two completely different artists who are genres apart, it is Nasty C, the rapper, who inspires my music. I am intrigued by his creative writing skills. He is so talented that he moved me to start writing my own stories and telling them through music.”
Mlali said he has big dreams for his future but needs a financial boost to make them come true.
“I have been struggling to raise funds, get funding, or secure sponsorship to book a professional studio to record my songs. I also dream of taking my show nationwide, performing in different provinces. The support I got from the East London community is overwhelming. Some people bought tickets just to support me even though they were not able to attend. Not only did it certify that I am on the right track, but it also encouraged me to work harder so that I can perform on bigger stages.”
