"Rise and shine"

In the past two weeks I have had the unbelievable priviledge of seeing two of South Africa's greatest musical exports: Ladysmith Black Mambaza, and the Mahotella Queens.

It was extremely difficult to stay in my seat. Both shows were at the Windspear which is our fancy schmancy theatre and dancing in the aisles is...well...I'd say it's frowned upon although I don't really know because I'm not sure anyone has ever tried it. But as I glued myself to the seat while my feet and the top half of my body still did their best to dance, I found myself marvelling not just at their considerable musical ability and the absolute joy that filled the room, but also at the fact that these two groups were founded in 1963 and 1964 respectively and both groups contain founding members. The lead vocalist for Black Mabaza is 64 years old and the Queens range in age from 58 to 61. For anyone not familiar with South African music, it is expressed not only vocally but through dance. Dance that would rival any aerobics class invented by the gym rats of the western world. High kicks and shimmies that I am not sure I, at half their age, could manage... no, in fact I'm sure I could not.

One of the Queens introduced their group, mentioning their ages and how long they've been together. Then she said "to all you girls out there of 30 years who think you are old, who think you cannot do this.... Rise and shine girls, rise and shine"

It made me think. These women and men who, in their young lives likely knew oppression that most of us cannot imagine, who seem so full of joy and laughter and love of music and performing, who are twice my age but look like they could be my peers. Maybe that's the secret. Maybe I don't need a gym or a trainer - I just need to dance more, and sing, and smile while I do it. Maybe we all need that.

Ok, I've gotta run and get myself a couple South African CD'S.

Rise and Shine Girls!