Conta��s wife takes over Amakhosi

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
Having learnt from the best, she is now ready to take Amakhosi Cultural Centre to the next level.

That is the mantra adopted by Thembi Ngwabi, wife to Continueloving a�?Conta�? Mhlanga, since her husband announced his retirement.

While it was sudden, Mhlangaa��s retirement has long been in the pipeline, as the couple has been planning his exit from the arts scene for the past few years. Ngwabi has, in the meantime, been involved in almost every major decision taken at the centre.

a�?At Amakhosi I majored in teaching dance, acting, and music. I have been playing a vital role in the administration of day to day business at the arts centre,a�? she said.

A student herself of Amakhosia��s talent churning culture centre, Ngwabi has a vision of her own for the centre.

a�?Unlike universities, Amakhosi offers practical arts lessons in various disciplines.A� Soon we will add theory lessons to our curriculum. Theory increases the wealth of knowledge,a�? she said.

In her care so far, the centre has received a major facelift. Ngwabi hopes a fresh looking centre will also inspire fresh ideas from artistes.

a�?There is a lot of work being done.A� Currently we are working on the stage and the offices so that artistes can work in an environment that inspires confidence,a�? she added.

Ngwabi said she was looking forward to adding a feminine touch to the arts centre.

a�?Definitely there is going to be a lot of change particularly with regards to giving the arts centrea��s products a more feminine outlook. If you look at some of the plays I have done like Mothers they are female influenced and thata��s an area I am looking forward to exploring even further,a�? she said.

Ngwabi is a recording artiste whose all-female band Amakhosikazi has toured internationally. She is also a traditional healer.

Equipped with 25 years of experience in the arts industry Ngwabi believes she can take Amakhosi to another level.

She has been the director of the arts centre since last year and already she has managed to launch a successful outreach programme.

a�?Since 2015 I have been the director of Amakhosi. During this period I have managed to launch an outreach programme targeting people who cannot easily reach Amakhosi. For example I have a group from Lupane called Umchilo wamakhosikazi that was a hit in the previous Harare carnival. The outreach programme is targeting people as far as Jotsholo and Nkayi,a�? she said.

Ngwabi lectured dance for five years in the Amakhosi arts academy, and in 2005 she was in charge of the whole academy and spent four years partaking in the administration of Amakhosi.

Ngwabi has produced and directed many plays and taught many students. Some of her outstanding works include Inyelane, Mothers, Dreams of fame and Intombi zomqangala.

In her career as an actor and an arts teacher she has worked with Sarah Mpofu of the Amakorokoza fame, Thembi Moyo and Gugu Ndlovu and many other artistes who have graced the international stage.