The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Ovuwa cultural ensemble has been nominated for a South African Traditional Music Achievements (SATMA) Award. This nomination recognises the ensemble’s dedication to preserving and promoting African indigenous musical artforms.

Mxolisi Duda Manamela, the ensemble’s Conductor and Logistics Coordinator, expressed his excitement about the nomination, calling it a ‘great affirmation’ of the ensemble’s years of hard work.

“This is a testimony to UP’s messaging of inclusivity and transformation, and it affirms our contribution to advancing cultural inclusivity,” Manamela said. “The nomination is a stamp of approval for our work in reviving and celebrating the pride of African musical arts.”

Ovuwa’s unique musical offering

UP’s Ovuwa performs a repertoire of traditional African songs and dances, showcasing the diversity of South Africa’s cultures, and extends its performances to include the musical traditions of Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda and other African countries. Accompanied by indigenous percussive instruments, the ensemble presents these artforms with authenticity and respect. Performances are delivered in all of South Africa’s official languages, including Khoisan, making Ovuwa a truly unique group within the higher education space.

Manamela said that Ovuwa is the only ensemble in the country that performs all South African cultural music professionally and authentically. While other groups tend to focus on the cultures of their respective provinces, Ovuwa’s diversity sets it apart.

“We do this work with the highest degree of authenticity and professionalism,” he noted.

Voting for Ovuwa

The SATMA Awards are determined by public voting, and Manamela is urging supporters of African indigenous music to cast their votes.

“People can vote by sending an SMS containing the code ‘057SATMA19’ to 32436,” he said. “We encourage our supporters to vote as many times as possible and to remind others to vote too.”

He added that a win for Ovuwa would not only be a victory for the ensemble but also for their supporters, the University community and South Africa as a whole.

“This recognition will bring a lot of attention to the work we do on a much larger scale,” he said.

A platform for growth and unity

Manamela’s vision for Ovuwa extends beyond awards. Through the ensemble’s work, he hopes to spread the message of ‘unity in diversity’, counteracting the global rise of division, tribalism and xenophobia.

“We want to preach inclusivity and respect, in spite of all our differences,” he said.

Manamela also hopes to inspire the establishment of similar ensembles across the country, with Ovuwa serving as a benchmark, particularly within higher education institutions.

One of Ovuwa’s core missions is the celebration and preservation of South African heritage. When recruiting members, the focus is not solely on musical skills but also on cultural diversity.

“Members become cultural ambassadors of where they come from,” Manamela explained. “We do a lot of research to ensure that whatever we put on stage is authentic and respectful.”

Manamela began Ovuwa with just eight members in 2012, and over the years, the ensemble has grown significantly, both in size and reputation. Today, it is recognised not only within UP but across the country. The ensemble has performed for high-profile organisations such as the Presidency, the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network, and the Border Management Authority, among others.

“It has taken years to build this ensemble, and this nomination will help expand our reach and promote our work – and the University of Pretoria – on a much larger scale,” Manamela said,

Looking to the future

A SATMA Award win would mark a significant milestone for Ovuwa and its future projects.

“This is our first recognition by a national organisation, and winning would elevate our messaging to both national and international stages,” Manamela said.

Being recognised as an award-winning ensemble would open new doors for Ovuwa, helping the ensemble continue its mission of preserving and promoting African cultures on an even bigger platform. As Ovuwa moves forward, it remains committed to celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage, while promoting unity, diversity and inclusion through its performances.