The Agip Hall of the Muson centre shook to its foundation recently with the spectacular performance of IPI NTOMBI, South Africa’s popular dance drama by students of Greenwood House, Ikoyi. Though stated for 5.30pm, parents, arts and culture enthusiasts filled the hall before the scheduled time.

The stage was beautifully draped with cultural artifacts and with attractive klieg lights, which were switched on and off intermittently. It was one electrifying evening as parents and enthusiastic audience defied earlier rains in the day to watch the pupils showcase their unique endowments.

The performance was one show that would make even the National Cultural troupe go green with envy. The coordination was superb while even as the pupils costumes portrayed rich African traditional culture and heritage.

When IPI NTOMBI was first performed in South Africa, it was called “the warrior”. The dance presentation due to its popularity and historical contextualisation of the South African heroic and indomitable spirit was able to tour Africa, Europe and America.

As a dance concept, it consists of both the African and European style of songs and dances.

When it was first performed in 1979, it had a cast of 50 talented dancers and singers. The dance drama tells the love story of a young man in love with a village girl, and it happens that the young man, unfortunately would have to leave her to work in the mines in the city.

Traditionally, the departure of the younger man from the country side to the city would necessitate a ceremony morphed with cultural charger. It is this ritual ceremony that over time has transformed to different dance styles ranging from break dance, then to South Africa rock and roll to gospel.

The presentation therefore by Greenwood House pupils was an adaptation of IPI NTOMBI which portrays the young man as torn between his village root and the temptation of city life.

The performance had a delightful beginning with a typical village scene with rhythmic tunes accompanying the mood of the cultural presentation.

The presentation also explores the city life of South Africa which is quite different from that of the village. The pupils are all dressed in city attires and the popular Haya track was sung at the scene. The song evokes emotions and excitement among the audience as it is beautifully rendered.

During the performance,the cast displayed beautiful dance steps and cultural attires that depict the mood of the presentation. Both the singers and dancers as well as wanukidancers added glamour to the event with their dance steps to the admiration of the audience.

The choir scene where the young man and the lady were joined together aroused the interest of the audience in a compelling way.

Speaking at the occasion, the principal of Greenwood House School, Mrs M.I Durand told the parents of the school pupils that the school “ aims at developing well rounded students who will contribute meaningfully to the development of society.”

According to her, the occasion is one veritable platform to help parents appreciate the efforts of the School in the effort of moulding their children to becoming better citizens.