Welcome to the official UMOJA website

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		LINDIWE VALARIE NTULI “The show has done so much for me, I‘ve learnt about my history and myself. It is one of the best schools I’ve ever been to.” Lindiwe knows in her heart that she will work hard to fulfil her lifetime dream of owning her own film studio in the future.
		GABISILE MANANA A dancer and a singer from Soweto, started involving herself in Showbiz at the age of seven working with a youth group called Thabisong Youth Club. “UMOJA is my family and I am proud to be part of it”.
		SINDISIWE (MINKY) KHUMALO I started with K-Cap as a singer, dancer and actress. We toured the world. I also specialised as a upcoming young choreographer. I also worked with the director, Themy Venturas doing short plays and I heard about the auditions of Umoja. I felt that I belong there. Now I’ve got a home in the Africa Umoja.
		NTOMOBOXOLO BELINDA RATYANA Singing at the age of five in the church choir, Belinda later joined a local traditional group called Naledi Youth Club. “To be part of UMOJA is like a dream come true. Every time I perform, I realise how lucky I am to be part of this family.”
		THOKOZILE MARIA DUNGE With a name that means ‘joyous’, she means to spread it as far as she can. On the 1 Sept 2001, she took part in the auditions for UMOJA and from 800 people she was chosen. “UMOJA teaches my generation about traditions that are lost in the modernisation of our country.”
		CLEOPATRA PHIKA Although Cleopatra had thought of a career in electrical engineering, the desire to dance won in the end. Cleo sees herself developing dance in South Africa, especially talented, disadvantaged artists from the townships, training them to reach international standards.
		NONHLE BEAUTY SYLVESTER Nonhle’s name means ‘Beauty’ and she infuses that quality in all her performance work. Nonhle joined UMOJA in 2000. “I want to show people that South Africans are born with music and we will die with it! The music is the healing of Africa.” Nonhle’s dream is to have her own production company and to work with young people, showing them their talents.
		NONQABA MARIA MATSEBULA Maria did not have a traditional upbringing so UMOJA has stirred her interest in the cultural roots of Africa. “The thing I love about UMOJA is that we don’t only preach about the spirit of togetherness, but we practice it!"
		PRUDENCE BONGEKILE MHLANGA After starting her career on stage, then joining Rebecca Malope as a backing vocalist, Prudence realised that her life was on the stage. “I joined UMOJA, now I feel at home. They took me in with their warm hands. I don’t think I will ever leave this show. I don’t like it, I love it!”
		NONBUHLE MAZIBUKO ‘UMOJA has done so much for me, from helping me feed my family to being more responsible about my life and future. UMOJA is the real spirit. You always have someone to talk to, they see when you are down. I am an energetic woman, and I am thankful for the path God has shown me.’
		NONHLANHLA NGCOBO Nonhlanhla (“fortunate one”) has been singing and dancing since childhood. Her uncle was part of a traditional dance group, so she would go along with him to rehearsals and learned by watching the dancers. Free-lancing led her to audition for “Baobab” in March 1999, now know as UMOJA. Nonhlanhla is clear in how she feels about the show: “I feel as if I’m in Paradise.”
		LUNGISWA PENELOPE GUBUDELA Lungisa grew up in a Soweto home filled with dance and music. Pantsula, gumboots and traditional dance were part of her cultural education. A friend took Lungisa along to the auditions. Umoja has been an eye-opener for her. “I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. The music is live, and the show is much freer in expression than anything I’ve been in before.”
		NOMSA PORTIA MATIWANE Although Nomsa was part of her school choir while growing up in Krugersdorp, she “didn’t think it would go anywhere.” “This is a dream come true, like a home from home. I live in a modern world and UMOJA has taught me the traditions of our forefathers. There is so much I was not aware of.”
		RACHEL MOLOI Born in 1983, in Orlando East, Soweto, Johannesburg, Rachel joined UMOJA in 2003. “ It was the biggest break through and challenge of my life. Thank you to my mom for supporting me through out my life.” Rachel feels that UMOJA has helped her to grow emotionally and physically in the performing arts industry.
		NOMASONTO PENELOPE ZWANE Her name means: 'a place of God' Nomasonto feels that God has given her many talents. UMOJA has taught her about her traditional way of life and proud of being South African, her future hopes are to further her studies to be an accountant.
		NOKUTHULA PHIRI Nokuthula feels that UMOJA has enhanced her dancing capabilities. She is now able to further her studies in the field of Science. ‘UMOJA has taught me that when you work together with love, respect and with God, you will get anywhere.’
		NTOMBIZETHU PRINCESS JOYISA I was born at Umlazi – Durban. I worked with many groups singing with many talented voices. I feel like my talents are blessed being in UMOJA. It’s an opportunity of a life time to be part of UMOJA.
		SUNDILE CHARMAINE MDALOSE Lawrence’s heritage is from the Ndebele tribe. It was natural then that at an early age he was immersed in knowledge of ancient African culture since the Ndebele tribal functions are always traditional. Lawrence wanted to become a chartered accountant, but there was no money for further study. “I still want to study but right now I love what I am doing.”
		VUYOKOZI GLADYS MTHUNKHULU Born and bred at Sebokeng Palm Springs. I started dancing at Bambanani Cultural group and later on went to Soqoba Cultural Group. My experience with Umoja: good and I am becoming a better dancer every day.
		MPHO BRIDGETTE MOLEFI Mpho is of Tswana origin and has always had interest in traditional dancing. AFRICA UMOJA is her first major production. “I feel at home in UMOJA, as if I am with my own family. It makes me dedicated and disciplined.”
		GABISILE EMELDA PHAKATHI I started as a coral singer with Tsakan Adult Choir. I then joined training by Thembi Nyandeni then later I joined the group led by her called Boabab were we travelled half of the world. Boabab grew to be Umoja. That is how I became a member. Being in Umoja fulfilled my dream of becoming a better person and a good singer.
		LULEKA LUCIA SGOBONGO Born 11th June 1980, Luleka is thankful for being given the opportunity to be part of UMOJA. She is very excited to visit countries other than her own and to share her African culture. “I am amazed that people on the other side of the world what to know our African culture and our tribal ways, I will gladly share is with them!”
		NONLULUEKO KUBHEKA Born 1986, and is now just 20 ears of age, Nonkululeko comes from Kwa Zulu Natal – Durban “UMOJA has allowed me to gain more experience in performing.” She comes from a very talented family as her twin sister performs as well.
		STHEMBISO SIBIYA Born at Richard Bay in Kwazula-Natal. Working as a performer under Africa Umoja as a singer and dancer. I have worked with numerous groups as a singer eg. Vuka Africa of Naraffise. Currently studying dancer and I have a national certificate in music.
		SINDISIWE PRECIOUOS SHOBA I was born in Durban at Umlazi. I am a first born in the family of nine, a bread winner who loves art. I am very glad to be at Umoja Africa. Umoja is about African people. I am proudly African.
		MONICA MUKALISIWE GOBA Monica was very happy when she found out she was going to be part of UMOJA. At the age of 24, she realised she can now travel and share her culture with people around the world. “I am going to grab this golden opportunity with both hands! I sometimes can’t believe that I am here!”
		BUSISIWE MAHLANGU Born in 30th May 1983 Busisiwe has always loved to perform. It has been a dream come true to be part of UMOJA “I see UMOJA opening doors for my future. I can now travel, teach people from different countries my culture and learn theirs! This is truly a wonderful time of my life!”
		LONDIWE FORTUNATE KHESWA Umoja is my freeway to success. I love what I’m doing and I am doing it with passion. I would like to see myself managing an orphanage, accommodating aid, accidents and natural causes orphans. Hopefully God will help me and keep Mama Themi alive because I won’t be able to do it alone.
		ZOWDA MAKHUBU I started dancing at Thabisong Youth Club. Fortunate enough I’ve heard about the audition at Umajo. The I started performing with Umoja all over the world. Even here in South Africa at Emperors palace now I’m glad I have my own home.
		SIZIWE REJOICE NGEMA Born into a religious family, Siziwe started singing in the church at the age of 13. "After that I joined the Joyous Celebration Choir, a gospel group in South Africa. I was called to UMOJA, where I am right now is Home."
		ZODUMO QUEEN NALA Queen enjoys being on stage and feels she is being given new experiences each day. Born 10 June 1983, she shares the same birth date as Dakile, another cast member. Nala feels she is blessed to be part of UMOJA and is grateful she is able to expose her African heritage to other people around the world.

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IF YOU NEED HIGH RES IMAGES OF THE CAST - >> CLICK HERE <<

LINDIWE VALARIE NTULI “The show has done so much for me, I‘ve learnt about my history and myself. It is one of the best schools I’ve ever been to.” Lindiwe knows in her heart that she will work hard to fulfil her lifetime dream of owning her own film studio in the future.

GABISILE MANANA A dancer and a singer from Soweto, started involving herself in Showbiz at the age of seven working with a youth group called Thabisong Youth Club. “UMOJA is my family and I am proud to be part of it”.

NTOMOBOXOLO BELINDA RATYANA Singing at the age of five in the church choir, Belinda later joined a local traditional group called Naledi Youth Club. “To be part of UMOJA is like a dream come true. Every time I perform, I realise how lucky I am to be part of this family.”

THOKOZILE MARIA DUNGE With a name that means ‘joyous’, she means to spread it as far as she can. On the 1 Sept 2001, she took part in the auditions for UMOJA and from 800 people she was chosen. “UMOJA teaches my generation about traditions that are lost in the modernisation of our country.”

CLEOPATRA PHIKA Although Cleopatra had thought of a career in electrical engineering, the desire to dance won in the end. Cleo sees herself developing dance in South Africa, especially talented, disadvantaged artists from the townships, training them to reach international standards.

NONQABA MARIA MATSEBULA Maria did not have a traditional upbringing so UMOJA has stirred her interest in the cultural roots of Africa. “The thing I love about UMOJA is that we don’t only preach about the spirit of togetherness, but we practice it!"

NOMASONTO PENELOPE ZWANE Her name means: 'a place of God' Nomasonto feels that God has given her many talents. UMOJA has taught her about her traditional way of life and proud of being South African, her future hopes are to further her studies to be an accountant.

NOKUTHULA PHIRI Nokuthula feels that UMOJA has enhanced her dancing capabilities. She is now able to further her studies in the field of Science. ‘UMOJA has taught me that when you work together with love, respect and with God, you will get anywhere.’

NTOMBIZETHU PRINCESS JOYISA I was born at Umlazi – Durban. I worked with many groups singing with many talented voices. I feel like my talents are blessed being in UMOJA. It’s an opportunity of a life time to be part of UMOJA.

VUYOKOZI GLADYS MTHUNKHULU Born and bred at Sebokeng Palm Springs. I started dancing at Bambanani Cultural group and later on went to Soqoba Cultural Group. My experience with Umoja: good and I am becoming a better dancer every day.

MPHO BRIDGETTE MOLEFI Mpho is of Tswana origin and has always had interest in traditional dancing. AFRICA UMOJA is her first major production. “I feel at home in UMOJA, as if I am with my own family. It makes me dedicated and disciplined.”

NONLULUEKO KUBHEKA Born 1986, and is now just 20 ears of age, Nonkululeko comes from Kwa Zulu Natal – Durban “UMOJA has allowed me to gain more experience in performing.” She comes from a very talented family as her twin sister performs as well.

STHEMBISO SIBIYA Born at Richard Bay in Kwazula-Natal. Working as a performer under Africa Umoja as a singer and dancer. I have worked with numerous groups as a singer eg. Vuka Africa of Naraffise. Currently studying dancer and I have a national certificate in music.

SINDISIWE PRECIOUOS SHOBA I was born in Durban at Umlazi. I am a first born in the family of nine, a bread winner who loves art. I am very glad to be at Umoja Africa. Umoja is about African people. I am proudly African.

ZOWDA MAKHUBU I started dancing at Thabisong Youth Club. Fortunate enough I’ve heard about the audition at Umajo. The I started performing with Umoja all over the world. Even here in South Africa at Emperors palace now I’m glad I have my own home.

SIZIWE REJOICE NGEMA Born into a religious family, Siziwe started singing in the church at the age of 13. "After that I joined the Joyous Celebration Choir, a gospel group in South Africa. I was called to UMOJA, where I am right now is Home."

LINDIWE VALARIE NTULI
“The show has done so much for me, I‘ve learnt about my history and myself. It is one of the best schools I’ve ever been to.” Lindiwe knows in her heart that she will work hard to fulfil her lifetime dream of owning her own film studio in the future.

GABISILE MANANA
A dancer and a singer from Soweto, started involving herself in Showbiz at the age of seven working with a youth group called Thabisong Youth Club. “UMOJA is my family and I am proud to be part of it”.

NTOMOBOXOLO BELINDA RATYANA
Singing at the age of five in the church choir, Belinda later joined a local traditional group called Naledi Youth Club. “To be part of UMOJA is like a dream come true. Every time I perform, I realise how lucky I am to be part of this family.”

THOKOZILE MARIA DUNGE
With a name that means ‘joyous’, she means to spread it as far as she can. On the 1 Sept 2001, she took part in the auditions for UMOJA and from 800 people she was chosen. “UMOJA teaches my generation about
traditions that are lost in the modernisation of our country.”

CLEOPATRA PHIKA
Although Cleopatra had thought of a career in electrical engineering, the desire to dance won in the end. Cleo sees herself developing dance in South Africa, especially talented, disadvantaged artists from the townships, training them to reach international standards.

NONQABA MARIA MATSEBULA
Maria did not have a traditional upbringing so UMOJA has stirred her interest in the cultural roots of Africa. “The thing I love about UMOJA is that we don’t only preach about the spirit of togetherness, but we practice it!"

NOMASONTO PENELOPE ZWANE
Her name means: 'a place of God'
Nomasonto feels that God has given her many talents. UMOJA has taught her about her traditional way of life and proud of being South African, her future hopes are to further her studies to be an accountant.

NOKUTHULA PHIRI
Nokuthula feels that UMOJA has enhanced her dancing capabilities. She is now able to further her studies in the field of Science. ‘UMOJA has taught me that when you work together with love, respect and with God, you will get anywhere.’

NTOMBIZETHU PRINCESS JOYISA
I was born at Umlazi – Durban. I worked with many groups singing with many talented voices. I feel like my talents are blessed being in UMOJA.
It’s an opportunity of a life time to be part of UMOJA.

VUYOKOZI GLADYS MTHUNKHULU
Born and bred at Sebokeng Palm Springs. I started dancing at Bambanani Cultural group and later on went to Soqoba Cultural Group. My experience with Umoja: good and I am becoming a better dancer every day.

MPHO BRIDGETTE MOLEFI
Mpho is of Tswana origin and has always had interest in traditional dancing. AFRICA UMOJA is her first major production. “I feel at home in UMOJA, as if I am with my own family. It makes me dedicated and disciplined.”

NONLULUEKO KUBHEKA
Born 1986, and is now just 20 ears of age, Nonkululeko comes from Kwa Zulu Natal – Durban
“UMOJA has allowed me to gain more experience in
performing.” She comes from a very talented family as her twin sister performs as well.

STHEMBISO SIBIYA
Born at Richard Bay in Kwazula-Natal. Working as a performer under Africa Umoja as a singer and dancer. I have worked with numerous groups as a singer eg. Vuka Africa of Naraffise. Currently studying dancer and I have a national certificate in music.

SINDISIWE PRECIOUOS SHOBA
I was born in Durban at Umlazi. I am a first born in the family of nine, a bread winner who loves art. I am very glad to be at Umoja Africa. Umoja is about African people. I am proudly African.

ZOWDA MAKHUBU
I started dancing at Thabisong Youth Club. Fortunate enough I’ve heard about the audition at Umajo. The I started performing with Umoja all over the world. Even here in South Africa at Emperors palace now I’m glad I have my own home.

SIZIWE REJOICE NGEMA
Born into a religious family, Siziwe started singing in the church at the age of 13. "After that I joined the Joyous Celebration Choir, a gospel group in South Africa. I was called to UMOJA, where I am right now is Home."