Africa-Press – Eswatini. IMBALI turned up in their multitudes for the main day of the annual Reed Dance ceremony held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence in a beautiful spectacle of Eswatini culture on display.
This year’s Reed Dance ceremony proved to be an overwhelming success, drawing throngs of highly spirited Imbali from all four corners of the country who danced jubilantly in front of a capacity crowd at the Ludzidzini arena.
After building up for a good five days, the event ended on a high note with Their Majesties witnessing a beautiful show of spectacular dancing.
This year’s event had maidens from the neighbouring countries also take part, including Imbali from South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho who played a significant role in making this a colourful event with their traditional costumes.
Former Botswana president Ian Khama was one of a number of Their Majesties’ guests, in addition to dignitaries as well as members of the diplomatic corps who were in their numbers.
The jovial mood of the event was unmatched as both Imbali and the thousands of Emaswati who came to witness the ceremony cheered Imbali throughout.
The regiment was led by their new leader Inkhosatana Sakhizwe and Indvuna Nonduduzo Zubuko.
This was the first time in two years that the event was held in such a magnitude, after being held under strict COVID-19 regulations, which included the control of numbers of Imbali that attended as well as spectators.
This is what made this year’s event more exciting for the maidens as they were a marvel to watch from the first day to Monday as they danced before the crowds.
They were evidently in full force as they started to make their way into the arena as soon as Their Majesties, Sigidlo, Emakhosikati and the entire royal family and guests were settled in the arena just after 4pm.
Young maidens from KaBhamusakhe were the first to enter the arena in song, followed by the other groups of Imbali from different communities who were all full of energy as they danced from the get go.
True to culture, the performance is also about the singing, and the creativity that goes with coming up with the songs – that are often about actual life scenarious and events.
This year, the maidens had everyone buzzing with one of the songs that were performed by Imbali from Ludzidzini which consists of the two leaders Inkhosatana Sakhizwe and Indvuna Yembali.
This was a song that sought to appeal to Their Majesties for forgiveness, which is understood to be in reference to the intimidation and sabotage as well as destruction of structures linked to those calling for political reforms.
“Yembube batsetselele Ngwenyama ngoba abakwati labakwentako,” the maidens sang, which when loosely translated means ‘forgive them Your Majesty for they do not know what they are doing’.
The marvellous day went on to Ummiso where several songs were sang by Imbali and danced. The songs included Emagamekutjelwa, Mnikeni lelihawu lakhe,Uyasibiza among others. The King with his guests of honour was also the fuel Imbali needed as the excitement of the regiment went up a notch when the King did Kudlalisela Imbali, keeping the atmosphere alive throughout the ceremony.
Imbali kept their spirit high as in between songs they celebrated their victory over COVID-19 and being back in full swing after two years.
The highlight of the occasion is usually reserved for kugiya, during which the maidens take turns to show off their dances. This was a marvel to watch for the spectators as the girls outdid themselves.
Normally the leaders of the regiment from the main leader being Inkhosatana and tindvuna take turns to showcase their individual dancing skills.
On Monday the exact happened where Princes Mazwezulu representing Inkhabave or Ingabezweni and danced before the thousands.
Indvuna yeMbali from KaBhamusakhe Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatshwako did not disappoint as she came with the energy she is known for and serenaded the audience with her spectacular dancing skills with the song Sawubona Gogo.
Hlatshwako’s dancing skills surprised even her own regiment as throughout her set she would show another dance move that left the crowds excited.
Inkhosatana Sakhizwe did not disappoint while Indvuna Zubuko also gave the audience what they longed for in the past two years the ceremony was held under strict restrictions.
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