Sthembiso “Madamo” Makhanya helps aspiring SA dancers stay on top of their game during the pandemic
The self-taught Pantsula dancer shows how digital platforms can grow the dance community
Pantsula dancing has swept across South African streets for decades and has become a way of life for township communities. This dance style, often characterised by synchronised quick-stepping moves, 'spoti’ hats, and colourful attire, has shaped countless South Africans' lives, including self-taught dancer, actor, and content creator, Sthembiso “Madamo” Makhanya.
Madamo, who’s involved in Vuma’s My Community Cooks initiative in partnership with the Soweto Wine and Food Festival, shares his journey through the industry, his inspirations, and how he's stayed relevant during the pandemic to help aspiring dancers navigate the industry.
It’s more than just dancing
Madamo has been dancing for 21 years and was drawn to the industry after noticing the adoration that dancers received from community members.
“Crowds seem to shower dancers with so much love and affection, and it was something I’d never experienced before,”
he says.
Madamo says growth in the industry requires more than just learning the steps – that’s why he encourages aspiring dancers to take time to learn how to engage and connect with different audiences, keep up with the latest styles, and know how to sell themselves. He says they must also know their worth as performers and be clear about what they charge in any booking process, as it’s difficult to earn a living through performing without having done that and being clear about it through the booking process.
Invest in your craft, and yourself
Madamo says the pandemic has been challenging and serves as a reminder that aspiring dancers should not neglect their education because it’s something no person or pandemic can take from them. He says it will ensure they have something to fall back on in times like these.
He adds that dancers should stay true to themselves, understand what they're doing, and why they're doing it.
Be different
Madamo says it's great that more South African dancers are creating new dance styles, such as the recent Amapiano dance – there's so much going on in the industry, at such a fast pace, that young dancers need to find ways to be creative and to do something different to stand out.
He says Amapiano dance videos are constantly going viral, which shows that young dancers can make their mark by thinking out of the box and using online channels to amplify those new styles.
The Pantsula dancer has taken advantage of social media platforms to post dance videos, stream performances, and offer online dance classes.
"Although the pandemic has hurt the industry, it's also encouraged artists to use the internet to reach so many more people, and to increase their visibility,"
he says.
Don’t be afraid to create connections
Madamo says connectivity has been instrumental in supporting the creative industry during the pandemic, and dancers wouldn't be able to showcase their talents and continue doing what they love without it. He adds that platforms like Vuma's My Community Cooks have been crucial in helping creatives connect and share their stories.
"Vuma's My Community Cooks was a fantastic initiative because it allowed us creatives to tell our stories, touch people's lives, and it even inspired us to keep pushing forward. Many people may not realise they're facing the same problems as you, but they can be motivated once they hear your story,"
adds Madamo.
The Pantsula dancer says the creative sector needs more projects like My Community Cooks because they help creatives believe in themselves again.
“South Africa has been hard-hit by the pandemic, but the creative industry has been especially badly affected, with performers left without means to earn a living as a result of cancelled gigs,"
says Lianne Williams, Head of Marketing at Vuma.
“That’s why we've created platforms like Vuma's My Community Cooks, to give creatives like Madamo an opportunity to continue doing what they love, find opportunities, and connect with other creatives."
