Welcome to the official UMOJA website

		IF YOU NEED HIGH RES IMAGES OF THE CAST - >> CLICK HERE <<
		TOBELA MPELA “I am so happy to be in UMOJA. I do it wholeheartedly because of the love for it. When I sing Paradise Road I feel so privileged. At home my family is so very proud of me because it is such a famous song. It’s an honour to sing it.”
		SIPHO DLAMINI Sipho grew up in the township of Soweto. He started traditional dancing as part of extra-mural activities at school. Later, he learned gumboots dancing and how to play the traditional drums. Being with UMOJA makes Sipho feel good. “I love it. I do it with all my heart.”
		WANDILI DLAMINI Brother to Sipho Dlamini, joining UMOJA was part of a dream for Wandile since his older brother joined. “I have fulfiled a dream. It is so exciting to be on stage and this is also very different for me. This show has taught me so much. I see where I am going in life.”
		SIZWE MNTAMBO A talented musician in his own right, Sizwe was honoured to become part of UMOJA. “I get to show people from other nations my culture, my history. It is as if I show them the real me. UMOJA has taught me so much and I want to share all I have learnt with everyone else.”
		FLOYD SABELA MAHLANGU Sabelo’s name means ‘the gift’. “I was inspired by my poverty, by the hunger in my stomach, to do something constructive. It was either find work or do crime. I made the positive choice.” It is excitement, energy and constant laughing of UMOJA that makes Sabelo call it his second family.
		LLOYD NTIKANE Born in Soweto, Lloyd never gave the possibility of becoming a performer a moment’s thought. It was only once he had finished school that he became interested the theatre. After seeing a performance of UMOJA, the entire audience auditioned to be part of the show. Lloyd is proud that he is the single person selected!
		PHELEMON SELEBALO PHELE Phelemon only became interested in the traditions of his people once he’d moved to Soweto at age ten, where there was more opportunity to join dance groups. He threw himself, heart and soul, into his passion, and discovered he had a natural talent for directing as well as dance.
		SIDWELL SANDILE SITHEBE “I started being an artist from an early age. I performed with Bayeza Cultural Group where I was a gumboot dancer. The highlight of my career with this group was performing for former President Nelson Mandela. I feel very good and proud for being one of the UMOJA family members. The show celebrates South African culture musically, and for me one of the best shows I’ve been in.
		JABULANI COLLEN NENEN Collen has been involved in traditional African dance & music from an early age. He learned much about his traditional roots from his family but decided he needed to know more. His role in UMOJA is his first truly professional theatre appearance. “UMOJA is a wonderful experience, it is something I have always wanted to do.”
		ISRAEL MZAYIFANI THEBATHE Israel began his career performing with a local cultural group, Ibumba Community Cultural Group, with a show "Umkhaya-Lo." He joined the cast of "Umoja" in the year 2000. His part of the affectionate drunk is one that affords him great delight. When Israel isn't singing, acting and dancing, he loves playing pool.
		MONGEZI PHINEAS NYAMAZA Mongezi was forced to the streets at a young age. Living in a cardboard box covered in plastics he was given a drum with the words - ‘this is your money, tihs is your food.’ The desire to perform has saved his life. After a successful audition with UMOJA, Mongezi has made peace with his past.
		DAVID-RYNO MOTAHANE Born in Kwa-Kwa. I started doing theatre when I was in Amandiza High School. I came to Umoja in 2005 and really enjoyed it. The unity they have taught me so much.
		SIMPHIWE SANELE SIKAHANE I am from Durban, Mlazi. I joined Umoja in 2007. I’ve worked with story production in Europe. I was trained in University creative art in England.
		MOEKETSI KEKE RAMMILE My Keke Moeketsi Ramille. I started to dance when I was nine years old. I like doing it and I will never let go. I meet Umoja in 2006 and then they like me. So now I am a dancer in Umoja.
		MOMPENJ PROMISE NGWENYA Born in the NW Mafikeng and raised in Gauteng, Soweto. I started dancing Pansula at the age of twelve and that is where I was introduced to a number of different dances like tap, African dances, and African drama. Currently I am studying master degree. I am young and positive and believe everything is possible with God.
		LEHLOHONOLO IMATAGE MOEKOA His name means: 'to be lucky'. Born in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg, Lehlohonolo feels he is privileged to be part of UMOJA. He is proud that his company has helped so many children from disadvantaged backgrounds like himself and hopes that one day he can do the same.
		SAKHILE NGEMA Born the 4th January 1982, Sakhile started dancing for a youth club in the townships. Performing in UMOJA lifts his spirits. “UMOJA has changed my life! From here on I with show God my thanks for my talents by doing good to myself and my UMOJA family. I have been given a chance in life!”
		SIZWE NKOSI Sizwe, just 21, is proud to be part of UMOJA and it’s family. “I saw UMOJA on the TV and thought ‘Imagine if I could be part of that!’ - and here I am, I mean it is a dream come true! I praise God for my chance and talents.”
		SILINGANISO CLEMENT KANYE Born 10th December 1984, Silinganiso started singing in school and attended musical workshops after school. “I am so excited to be part of UMOJA. I have promised myself that I will perform my best at every show! Just to be given this chance, it is a dream come true!”
		MTHOKOZISI CELE I started dancing while I was at school at Etenten Secondary School. I also joined love life game and became a motivational speaker. So last year I heard about Umoja and came to join it and it has been a good experience.
		ENROCK MXEGENI HLATYWAYO “I am so proud to be part of the UMOJA group, using my talents from God to share my culture.” Enrock enjoys entertaining audiences, and seeing their response to the show.
		MBUSO MBHIBHI NCGOBO I am well known as Mbhibih, I started working with K-Cap then later I joined magic of Africa. Since I have a passion in designing I joined the mighty Zulu nation where I became a dance and also a costume designer in UK. But since Umoja is calling all over the world I heard and I follow. The great cast being in Umoja it feels like I’m right at home.
		MOSS TAU Born in the Freestate province. I started dancing with Zamdela Dance Theatre in Sasolburg. Performed in a different festival as Greece International Festival, FNB and others joined Africa Umoja in 2006.
		SIPHIWE NKABINDE Siphiwe began learning dance steps in his home province of KwaZulu/Natal while he was still at school but not traditional dance - ballroom and Latin American instead. It was only later that he moved back towards his cultural roots. “I want to be a star. I am positive and focused. That’s where I am happy... on stage, doing music.”
		MATTHEWS MTHANDENI NGCOBO Born in Soweto, Johannesburg. Matthews has been a drummer since he can remember. “I can represent my country, South Africa and show people what our culture and arts are about. I now know my future since I started with UMOJA. I love to dance and I love Umoja the Spirit of Togetherness.”
		CHARLES LANGA Born in Johannesburg in 1979. “I started my cultural dance with bayeza cultural Group in 1993. I went to join Umoja, where everyone is given a chance to prove his or her talents. I say thank you to God who gave me everything.”
		PHILIMON TSPHIPS MOTLOUNG Mamsie has always been interested in performing. “UMOJA is what I have been looking for. I have learned a lot about myself and my traditions. I am proud of what I do and who I am.”
		SBONGISENI GORDON MNGUNI Born in Durban, Kwa-Mashu Gordon started singing at the age of 8. He joined a group called the ‘Mediators’ and from there worked his way up becoming a backing vocalist for artists like Brenda Fassie and Manesi Cele.From there he joined UMOJA. “What can I say? I enjoy what I am doing now. I love it!”
		MUSA ADRIAS NDABA Father of 2 children, Musa feels that UMOJA has allowed him to be able to support his family during the current harsh times in South Africa. “UMOJA is a family, where I always have support, it is a school that has taught me my tribal traditions. UMOJA is my future. It is a life time job.”
		THABISO SEROBANYANE Thabiso means “happy” and this performer is really happy that a dream has been fulfiled with UMOJA He joined the cast of “Baobab”, the forerunner to UMOJA and became one of the original cast members. He is self-taught and “Umoja” is his first professional appearance. “I just feel the rhythm and get so excited!”
		PAUL THABISO MTHUNZI Paul had no formal training in the performing arts but soon found that his natural talent for dance developed into his performing regularly at local events and promotions as a pop dancer. He successfully auditioned for “Umoja” in late 2000. It seems that opportunity opened a door for Thabiso on that day since.
		GIVEN NKOSINATHI TSHABALALA Born in Kwa Zulu Natal (Emnambithi), Given was always involved in performing. “In 1995 my family moved to Soweto. I joined a school group where I sang, danced the Pantsula and Gumboot dance. I heard about auditions for UMOJA, and auditioned and was asked to join the cast. I feel good to belong to the UMOJA family.”
		JABU JOHANNES TSHABALALA Born 11th May 1981, Jabu started dancing in community groups in Soweto (Empeni) in 1990. He performed in various shows and festivals. It has always been a dream of his to be part of UMOJA, "Umoja - it is the biggest dance company that truly reflects South African talent!"
		MTHOKOZISI ANDRIES MKHIZE Mthokosize means ‘bringer of happiness’. He is ecstatic to be in UMOJA because “when I perform I am somebody else. Everything flows, something happens... like electricity in my body.” Mthokosize is a dedicated performer who will make large waves in the arts fields of South Africa in the future.
		THAPELO MATSOSO Born and bread in the Free State province, I started dancing with Zamdela Performing Arts Centre in Sasolburg. I joined Africa Umoja in 2006 and aiming to achieve my goals with it till I drop.
		SIBUSISO MEYIWA Africa Umoja has taught me to to never give up on my dreams. I am now a harder worker and I have bigger goals for my life and my future. I thank sis Todd and sis Thembi for believing in me and giving me this chance.
		ABRAM DIETHE

HOME \| SITE MAP \| DISCLAIMER \| CONTACT US \| VICTORY THEATRE	© UMOJA 2010

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

TOBELA MPELA “I am so happy to be in UMOJA. I do it wholeheartedly because of the love for it. When I sing Paradise Road I feel so privileged. At home my family is so very proud of me because it is such a famous song. It’s an honour to sing it.”

SIPHO DLAMINI Sipho grew up in the township of Soweto. He started traditional dancing as part of extra-mural activities at school. Later, he learned gumboots dancing and how to play the traditional drums. Being with UMOJA makes Sipho feel good. “I love it. I do it with all my heart.”

WANDILI DLAMINI Brother to Sipho Dlamini, joining UMOJA was part of a dream for Wandile since his older brother joined. “I have fulfiled a dream. It is so exciting to be on stage and this is also very different for me. This show has taught me so much. I see where I am going in life.”

SIZWE MNTAMBO A talented musician in his own right, Sizwe was honoured to become part of UMOJA. “I get to show people from other nations my culture, my history. It is as if I show them the real me. UMOJA has taught me so much and I want to share all I have learnt with everyone else.”

DAVID-RYNO MOTAHANE Born in Kwa-Kwa. I started doing theatre when I was in Amandiza High School. I came to Umoja in 2005 and really enjoyed it. The unity they have taught me so much.

SIMPHIWE SANELE SIKAHANE I am from Durban, Mlazi. I joined Umoja in 2007. I’ve worked with story production in Europe. I was trained in University creative art in England.

MOEKETSI KEKE RAMMILE My Keke Moeketsi Ramille. I started to dance when I was nine years old. I like doing it and I will never let go. I meet Umoja in 2006 and then they like me. So now I am a dancer in Umoja.

SIZWE NKOSI Sizwe, just 21, is proud to be part of UMOJA and it’s family. “I saw UMOJA on the TV and thought ‘Imagine if I could be part of that!’ - and here I am, I mean it is a dream come true! I praise God for my chance and talents.”

SILINGANISO CLEMENT KANYE Born 10th December 1984, Silinganiso started singing in school and attended musical workshops after school. “I am so excited to be part of UMOJA. I have promised myself that I will perform my best at every show! Just to be given this chance, it is a dream come true!”

MTHOKOZISI CELE I started dancing while I was at school at Etenten Secondary School. I also joined love life game and became a motivational speaker. So last year I heard about Umoja and came to join it and it has been a good experience.

ENROCK MXEGENI HLATYWAYO “I am so proud to be part of the UMOJA group, using my talents from God to share my culture.” Enrock enjoys entertaining audiences, and seeing their response to the show.

MOSS TAU Born in the Freestate province. I started dancing with Zamdela Dance Theatre in Sasolburg. Performed in a different festival as Greece International Festival, FNB and others joined Africa Umoja in 2006.

CHARLES LANGA Born in Johannesburg in 1979. “I started my cultural dance with bayeza cultural Group in 1993. I went to join Umoja, where everyone is given a chance to prove his or her talents. I say thank you to God who gave me everything.”

PHILIMON TSPHIPS MOTLOUNG Mamsie has always been interested in performing. “UMOJA is what I have been looking for. I have learned a lot about myself and my traditions. I am proud of what I do and who I am.”

JABU JOHANNES TSHABALALA Born 11th May 1981, Jabu started dancing in community groups in Soweto (Empeni) in 1990. He performed in various shows and festivals. It has always been a dream of his to be part of UMOJA, "Umoja - it is the biggest dance company that truly reflects South African talent!"

THAPELO MATSOSO Born and bread in the Free State province, I started dancing with Zamdela Performing Arts Centre in Sasolburg. I joined Africa Umoja in 2006 and aiming to achieve my goals with it till I drop.

SIBUSISO MEYIWA Africa Umoja has taught me to to never give up on my dreams. I am now a harder worker and I have bigger goals for my life and my future. I thank sis Todd and sis Thembi for believing in me and giving me this chance.

ABRAM DIETHE

TOBELA MPELA
“I am so happy to be in UMOJA. I do it wholeheartedly because of the love for it. When I sing Paradise Road I feel so privileged. At home my family is so very proud of me because it is such a famous song. It’s an honour to sing it.”

SIPHO DLAMINI
Sipho grew up in the township of Soweto. He started traditional dancing as part of extra-mural activities at school. Later, he learned gumboots dancing and how to play the traditional drums. Being with UMOJA makes Sipho feel good. “I love it. I do it with all my heart.”

WANDILI DLAMINI
Brother to Sipho Dlamini, joining UMOJA was part of a dream for Wandile since his older brother joined. “I have fulfiled a dream. It is so exciting to be on stage and this is also very different for me. This show has taught me so much. I see where I am going in life.”

SIZWE MNTAMBO
A talented musician in his own right, Sizwe was
honoured to become part of UMOJA. “I get to show people from other nations my culture, my history. It is as if I show them the real me. UMOJA has taught me so much and I want to share all I have learnt with everyone else.”

DAVID-RYNO MOTAHANE
Born in Kwa-Kwa. I started doing theatre when I was in Amandiza High School. I came to Umoja in 2005 and really enjoyed it. The unity they have taught me so much.

SIMPHIWE SANELE SIKAHANE
I am from Durban, Mlazi. I joined Umoja in 2007. I’ve worked with story production in Europe. I was trained in University creative art in England.

MOEKETSI KEKE RAMMILE
My Keke Moeketsi Ramille. I started to dance when I was nine years old. I like doing it and I will never let go. I meet Umoja in 2006 and then they like me. So now I am a dancer in Umoja.

SIZWE NKOSI
Sizwe, just 21, is proud to be part of UMOJA and it’s family. “I saw UMOJA on the TV and thought ‘Imagine if I could be part of that!’ - and here I am, I mean it is a dream come true! I praise God for my chance and talents.”

SILINGANISO CLEMENT KANYE
Born 10th December 1984, Silinganiso started singing in school and attended musical workshops after school. “I am so excited to be part of UMOJA. I have promised myself that I will perform my best at every show! Just to be given this chance, it is a dream come true!”

MTHOKOZISI CELE
I started dancing while I was at school at Etenten Secondary School. I also joined love life game and became a motivational speaker. So last year I heard about Umoja and came to join it and it has been a good experience.

ENROCK MXEGENI HLATYWAYO
“I am so proud to be part of the UMOJA group, using my talents from God to share my culture.”
Enrock enjoys entertaining audiences, and seeing their response to the show.

MOSS TAU
Born in the Freestate province. I started dancing with Zamdela Dance Theatre in Sasolburg. Performed in a different festival as Greece International Festival, FNB and others joined Africa Umoja in 2006.

CHARLES LANGA
Born in Johannesburg in 1979. “I started my cultural dance with bayeza cultural Group in 1993. I went to join Umoja, where everyone is given a chance to prove his or her talents. I say thank you to God who gave me everything.”

PHILIMON TSPHIPS MOTLOUNG
Mamsie has always been interested in performing. “UMOJA is what I have been looking for. I have learned a lot about myself and my traditions. I am proud of what I do and who I am.”

JABU JOHANNES TSHABALALA
Born 11th May 1981, Jabu started dancing in
community groups in Soweto (Empeni) in 1990. He
performed in various shows and festivals. It has always been a dream of his to be part of UMOJA, "Umoja - it is the biggest dance company that truly reflects South African talent!"

THAPELO MATSOSO
Born and bread in the Free State province, I started dancing with Zamdela Performing Arts Centre in Sasolburg. I joined Africa Umoja in 2006 and aiming to achieve my goals with it till I drop.

SIBUSISO MEYIWA
Africa Umoja has taught me to to never give up on my dreams. I am now a harder worker and I have bigger goals for my life and my future. I thank sis Todd and sis Thembi for believing in me and giving me this chance.