UNIZULU Ingoma Continues to Inspire Unity in Diversity and Culture

The second annual University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Ingoma, recently held at Ellis Park Sports grounds within UNIZULU’s KwaDlangezwa Campus, was a song and dance extravaganza.

The cultural event which was organised by UNIZULU student group Umfula Zulu Society attracted cultural enthusiasts from several institutions of higher education in KwaZulu-Natal.

Held annually in September in celebration of heritage month, UNIZULU Ingoma has notably transformed into one of the most colourful and beautiful student gatherings which continues to campaign for unity in diversity and culture. Like last year, hundreds of students – including those from other universities – and community members gathered at UNIZULU to experience the culturally rich ceremony.

Asanda Zuma, one of the attendees who travelled from Ulundi to join in the fun, said: “This is one event that I always wish [could be] held every day. This is a gathering that forms a brotherhood. When I came here early in the morning, I only knew a few people. But now I have been shaking hands with people that in the beginning, I did not know. Now, we get along. I have new friendships already.”

Ngcebo Shabalala, one of the leading organisers of the event, indicated that the event serves as a reminder to students to understand the significance of embracing one’s roots, traditions and culture.

“The core goal of this ceremony is to educate our peers, of which are students in case, to appreciate and celebrate their family traditions and culture. Being provided an opportunity to study at university and live far away from home does not mean that now you must abandon your roots and forget where you come from. This event has always been about us celebrating our heritage through dance and traditional music. The event is also about instilling in one another significant values of life as well, like respect,” Shabalala said.

Speaking on behalf of Umfula Zulu Society, Shabalala admitted that while they are proud to have successfully hosted another UNIZULU Ingoma, they are cognisant of the fact that there is still room for improvement.

“As organisers, we feel proud about the outcome of the event. Not even one individual was or looked bored for a second. Everybody seemed to have enjoyed themselves from the time the event started [until] it ended,” Shabalala said proudly.

“However, we would like to plead to our audience to come very early to the event next time because it is always disheartening when we bring to the event a big artist and that artist ends up not performing because of the time the security must close the venue. And, other universities end up not performing as well due to time constraints – and that is bad. Please, let us come to the event early next time,” pleaded Shabalala.

Though UNIZULU Ingoma was hosted for the second time in 2024, it is worth noting that in it has achieved great feats which include hosting distinguished maskandi talents such as Gatsheni, famously known for his 2023 hit single ‘Ibhodlela‘, Mzukulu, Navigator, Saliwa, Maganga and many more.

Each year, the event seems to find new ways of exciting its audience – from exhilarating performances by invited artists to providing exposure to upcoming student music and dance groups.

Through this gathering, Umfula Zulu Society has also been invited to share the stage with other established artists in one of the biggest annual maskandi events Umbuso Wamaciko.

– Samkele Sokhela

Pictures: Mbongiseni James Thwala