Theatre outfit Rising Choreos will star at the 2024 Festivals du Sud in France as one of just two African acts out of 45 participants.
The Malawian group will be among 45 folk ensembles and national ballets from around the world taking part at this popular arts and traditional domains in Europe.
According to an invitation letter, the Theatre Company event has attracted 1200 dancers and musicians from five continents. The Rising Choreos and Lumumba of Tanzania are the only African invited for the event.
“Festivals du Sud brings together every summer, during the months of July and August, approximately twenty folkloric groups amd national ballets of all continents around the world. The dance groups are under the responsibility of Festivals de Sud and participate mainly in the principal and French and Spainish festivals of arts and popular traditions,” reads the invitation in part.
In an interview, the group’s creative director Joyce Mhango Chavula said they have prepared 16 dances, including gule wamkulu, beni, malipenga, Ingoma and chisamba.
She said: “It has been a rigorous process but we are set to showcase the authentic Malawian culture through our drums, songs and dance.
“This is the first time for Rising Choreos to showcase at an international stage. We believe this will create more opportunities for the group as we will interact with other cultures, learn from them and teach them what we pride in and create lasting artistic relationships.”
Members of the group are James Kitchen, Boniface Mloya, Thandizo Kalanda, Dayiti Alick, Muhmamed Jere, Francis Shire, Pemphero Willy, Talandira Master, Fiskani Chatonda, Maureen Sikelo, Kelvin Kayiya and Jasten Staford.
Malawi Folk Dance Music and Song Society president James Kitchen said the tour presents an opportunity to export Malawi’s tradition through dance and music.
“The Malawian culture is defined through its dance and music. We have rarely showcased such elements with the world. It will be nice to showcase this at an international platform,” he said.
