By Munyaradzi Makoni, South Africa

While WACC Congress participants prayed, talked and discussed how they could achieve peace in the world, they had a chance to watch, listen and even dance to the varied traditional tunes of a Cape Town based traditional group, Ensemble Uthingo.
 

"We thought we could make our contribution towards the discussion on peace by playing at a world gathering like this," said Thokozani Tyeni, one of the co-group leaders. He shares the ensemble leadership with Sindi Mtimkulu.

"For us it feels great to share with the Congress our ability to play these instruments while entertaining them," said Tyeni.

Uthingo, which means a rainbow, plays a blend of traditional music from various corners of Africa. "We play traditional music from South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, among other countries," said Tyeni.

Uthingo mesmerized the audience with their carefully choreographed dances. They even played Amazing Graze on marimba. The 12-member group was formed in 2004 by a group of students who were studying African music at the University of Cape Town. This group has managed to remain together to become one of the few that incorporates opera in its shows.

Besides playing music, Uthingo also conducts educational workshops on traditional music.

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