Vibrant Culture of South Africa By Srimal Fernando

 

Vibrant Culture of South Africa

Monday, 04 April 2011 00:00


By Srimal Fernando

South Africa known as the “Land of Rainbows” is a naturalistic wonder land where the stunning environment is a sensual escape into the paradise. This overwhelming diversity makes the cultural scene of the country a vibrant, dynamic and very fascinating in whole of Africa. From modern art galleries to ancient rock art sites, from museums to cultural villages, from jazz clubs to open air festivals this vibrant region offers the explorer, myriad of opportunities in cultures, festivals and in foods. The country is home to eight of the world’s official UNESCO heritage sites.The country is divided into nine provinces. Cape Town is the legislative capital ,Bloemfontein is the judicial capital and   Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa.  The 49 million population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. The country is the largest energy producer and consumer of the African continent .The people of South Africa follow different religions and customs. It is made up of many people from many races, all with their own traditions and cultures. Eleven official languages are recognized in the country. The most common languages spoken in the country are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English. The country’s rich history dates back to some of the earliest human settlements in the world. The contrasting influences of the African, European and Asian heritages create a variety of influences throughout the music, dance, arts, crafts, food and sports of the country. The music, art, literature and cultural practices of the country have provoked attention and admiration throughout the world.  (To be contd. next week)

Cattle also play a very big role in most South African cultures as sacrificial animals. They are also looked upon as symbols of wealth and riches. Unparalleled in its diversity, the country offers delights ranging from fine wines, beers and exceptional cuisine to high art and great historical remnants. Flavors, textures and aromas create a multicultural dining adventure.Handicrafts of the country are the symbol of rich socio cultural heritage. Colorful bead-work, brightly painted pottery, intricately woven baskets, and fashionable jewelry made of metals and beads, striking batik dresses and fabulous carved wooden animals and bowls work are famous all over the world. Music and dance has also grown to be a familiar and popular part of the countries culture. The music and dances of the country represent the ethos, aesthetic values and melody of the region.

South Africa has a rich and diverse music culture. The countries music is a blend of musical elements from several cultures. This applies not only to the instruments but also to the melodies. Many of the nomadic tribes of this region of Africa are engaged in folk music. They are primordial in the cultural heritage of the country, covering a wide range of regional music styles. Classical western music has become a fundamental part of the country’s musical education. Afrikaans music, pop, synthesized music, instrumental music and folk songs are the major music types that are popular in the country .Afrikaans music is currently one of the most popular and best selling industries in the South African music scene. Although Indian, Pakistani and western pop music are quite popular, traditional forms of music mixed with Hindi and Urdu songs and music are the most popular among the Asian community.

Source : http://print.dailymirror.lk/life/132-life/40100.html

Part 2

Cattle also play a very big role in most South African cultures as sacrificial animals. They are also looked upon as symbols of wealth and riches. Unparalleled in its diversity, the country offers delights ranging from fine wines, beers and exceptional cuisine to high art and great historical remnants. Flavours, textures and aromas create a multicultural dining adventure.Handicrafts of the country are the symbol of rich socio cultural heritage. Colourful bead-work, brightly painted pottery, intricately woven baskets, and fashionable jewelry made of metals and beads, striking batik dresses and fabulous carved wooden animals and bowls work are famous all over the world. Music and dance has also grown to be a familiar and popular part of the country's culture. The music and dances of the country represent the ethos, aesthetic values and melody of the region.

South Africa has a rich and diverse music culture. The country's music is a blend of musical elements from several cultures. This applies not only to the instruments but also to the melodies. Many of the nomadic tribes of this region of Africa are engaged in folk music. They are primordial in the cultural heritage of the country, covering a wide range of regional music styles. Classical western music has become a fundamental part of the country’s musical education. Afrikaans music, pop, synthesized music, instrumental music and folk songs are the major music types that are popular in the country .Afrikaans music is currently one of the most popular and best selling industries in the South African music scene. Although Indian, Pakistani and western pop music are quite popular, traditional forms of music mixed with Hindi and Urdu songs and music are the most popular among the Asian community.

The dances of South Africa are extremely colorful and are a source of entertainment and enjoyment for the people of the country. The countries dance types are distinct from each other because of the diversity, of the nomadic groups and the indigenous tribes that practise them. In country’s dances, men usually jump and leap while women dancers perform crooked knee positions and bent body postures. The most recognized dancing method is group of dancers dancing in the middle with a drummer in the centre. The worrier dance, dance of love, dance of rites of passage, coming of age, welcome dance, dance of possession and summoning are many forms of South African dances.  Port city of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal one of the most active centers of the circuit of contemporary dance in the country. The city hosts Jomba a contemporary dance show case annually. South Africa has a long tradition of fine classical ballets but, until recently contemporary dance was not an important feature of the local dance scene. Toyi- toyi the war dance of protestors in the country is an expression of obscure origin. The same can be said for the Afrikaans folk dance the Sakkie- Sakkaie and the Phatha- phatha, which got developed in town-ships.Dancing and singing is very much a part of the lifestyle of the Zulu people. Ind-lamu dance known as African Zulu dance is performed by the Zulu tribes. The Umashona or snake dance of Zulu reflects stick fighting dance. Umteyo dance, also known as shaking dance involves peculiar movement of pectoral region of the body .Gum boot dance is another dance that originated in the South African mines. Bharata-natyam and Kavadi-yattam are two popular Indian dance types that are performed by the South Africans of Indian origin. The most famous Bhangra dance and singing is a part of the lifestyle of Pakistani community that lives in the country.

Theatres and dance venues are mostly alive in many cities presenting classics to home grown dance, drama and comedy .The country possesses hundreds of small, local drama groups. Another popular and widespread form of entertainment is the battery operated video booths. Hundreds of these battery operated booths on small vehicles are found spread throughout rural and town centres .At these video booths young people of the country   see a variety of films. South African cinema has captured the interest of the entire world in recent years Cape Wine lands International Film Festivals, the Durban Film Festival ,the Apollo Film Festival and the Three Continents Film Festival are some of the major events that gives a progressive and a positive image to the country’s film makers. The country is home to numerous cultural events. Festivals are one of the best ways to experience the local cultures of South Africa. Countries culture has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. The traditional culture and customs, combined with the friendly welcoming nature of the South African people of the country has a great deal to offer.

Source http://print.dailymirror.lk/life/133-life-image/40782.html