Prince Sivalo Mahlangu to serve royal flavours koDakamela

WHEN this year’s edition of the Imiklomelo KaDakamela Cultural Festival kicks off on Friday, the air in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, will carry more than the sounds of traditional dance and song; it will be rich with the aromas of history served on a plate.

For cultural cook and indigenous food documentarian Prince Sivalo Mahlangu, popularly known for his Magriza Made Me Cook (MMMC) YouTube channel, the festival marks a personal and professional full-circle moment.

Having attended previous editions as a documentarian capturing the spirit of the event, Mahlangu now returns to Chief Dakamela’s homestead in a different role, not behind the lens, but behind the cooker. He will be among the lead chefs preparing a feast for a distinguished guest list that includes regional royalty and international figures.

The festival will end on Sunday.

“This is an incredible experience. My work centres on the intersection of food, culture and heritage, and getting to showcase all three at one event is phenomenal. To return now as the chef presenting our culinary history to royalty is a true honour,” said Mahlangu.

His transition from observer to participant is particularly significant, coming a year after he was honoured at the same awards for his efforts in documenting disappearing African foodways.

Festival-goers can expect a menu that doubles as a living archive of Nguni and Ndebele heritage.

Mahlangu’s selection draws inspiration from cultural ceremonies such as Inxwala (First Fruits), Ukuchinsa and Umthimba (weddings), with dishes carefully curated to reflect tradition and identity. At the heart of the menu is Isidlwadlwa, a revered royal dish made from sorghum and ox-head, alongside Isiswayi (pounded meat), slow-cooked goat, and roadrunner chicken.

In a nod to food security and ancestral wisdom, these will be paired with indigenous grains such as amabele (sorghum) and uphoko (finger millet).

While Mahlangu leads the indigenous culinary experience, the festival will cater to diverse tastes with a Western menu featuring slow-roasted beef and malva pudding.

“I am proud to see our indigenous flavours finally taking their rightful place on the world stage. This recognition means everything to me,” Mahlangu said.

Since the festival’s inception in 2022, when Chief Dakamela began honouring cultural torchbearers, it has grown into a significant cultural showcase, attracting regional and international talent. This year, renowned South African composer Mbuso Khoza will attend as a guest of honour and lead workshops on Amahubo, ancient Nguni spiritual songs and chants dating back to the 17th century. Celebrated South African actress Dawn Thandeka King will also be honoured for her contributions to the arts and public advocacy.

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