The festival included masterclasses with Maqoma and showcases of his acclaimed solo performance of Ketima and Rise by Vuyani Dance Theatre choreographers. Festival curators were Ms Minenhle Msane, Ms Ntokozo Madlala and Ms Lindiwe Litwaba.

‘Vuyani Dance Theatre were requested to bring down a production for the drama students. The company saw an opportunity to expand and do community engagement in Pietermaritzburg to create awareness of dance as a career option and conduct professional masterclasses with the students and community members,’ said Msane. ‘They are an inspiration to many dancers who learnt a great deal. We will soon have the Drama Practical exams and we hope the students are inspired to create amazing and professional pieces of work.’

Ketima, which means “run” in Sepedi, is a contemporary dance created by Maqoma that symbolises progress but also addresses the theme of rediscovering oneself and wading through memories of childhood and adolescence.

Maqoma created Rise to motivate and give hope to South African youth. ‘It is an opportunity to start a discourse among the youth that it is up to them to rise to the occasion and be determined and committed to rebuilding our country’s spirit of Ubuntu and be hopeful of a greater South Africa,’ he said.