Music
Catching up with Cirque Mother Africa’s Nomah Mkwananzi
Cirque Mother Africa is a colourful and unique show that celebrates the many cultures of Africa. Seen by more than two million people worldwide, Cirque Mother Africa is a sensational mix of dance, song and circus performance and is coming to Sydney’s State Theatre on July 26.
Ticketmaster wanted to know more about the phenomenal show so fired a few questions to female lead Nomah Mkwananzi. Her answers have made us even more excited for the upcoming performance of Cirque Mother Africa!
Ticketmaster: What can the audience expect from the performance of Cirque Mother Africa at the State Theatre?
Nomah Mkwananzi: The audience should brace themselves for the most fun, joyful, energetic, exotic two-hour trip to Africa where the impossible is possible, live band, traditional African dances and very colourful costumes.
TM: Nine African countries are represented in Cirque Mother Africa. Can you tell us how such a unique mix of people combines to create the show?
NM: Our performers come from Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia,Benin, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Tanzania – these are almost all the corners of Africa and each and every country has different cultures. We have mask dance from Ivory Coast, Mbira a 22 key instrument from Zimbabwe, a gumboot dance from South Africa and all the different acts from the other countries and songs as well. Combined together, we have a very colourful and unique show.
TM: Can you tell us about the different forms of performance in Cirque Mother Africa such as the singing, dancing, drumming and circus acts?
NM: Like I said before we make the impossible possible. We have our very own snake man Lazarus
Gitu who can fold himself into any shape you can think of and from Ghana Emmanuel spins up to 10 dishes with his fingers toes mouth head all at the same time. We also have a Sewasa from Ethiopia; she juggles a table with her feet whilst Tamarat also from Ethiopia juggles with his feet and can do up to a hundred backflips all at once and all that mixed with the melodious voices from the singers and our band and powerful drummers the show becomes so much fun to watch and listen to!
TM: We hear the costumes, masks and instruments are as much a part of the show as the performers themselves. Can you explain the colour and drama the audience will experience on the night?
NM: The costumes contribute a lot – most of them have special meaning which makes it even more interesting and we always have the audience asking if they can buy the costumes and masks.
TM: More than two million people have seen Cirque Mother Africa around the world. Have you enjoyed visiting Australia?
NM: The show has been to almost every continent and well received with people like Dolly Parton watching it twice and Robert De Niro as well. This is the second time in Australia and I must say it’s my favourite place of all the countries I have been to. I like the weather, the people are friendly I just love it here.
TM: Can you explain how the audience is encouraged to be a part of the show and not just a spectator?
NM: We don’t only perform for the audience but we perform with them during the gumboot dance. We teach a few claps and gumboot steps and it’s always fun it’s one of my best moments in the show.
Click here to secure your tickets for Cirque Mother Africa at Sydney’s State Theatre on Saturday July 26.
