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South African expats in Qatar splashed colour with the colourful traditional attires they wore to the function held to celebrate their country’s 25th Freedom Day recently. Representing different tribes in South Africa, the clothing showcased the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Men, women and children wore outfits representing various tribes including Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Pedi, Tsonga, Swati, Ndebele and Vendi. Even if the ethnic outfits of a particular tribe some of the participants wore were not complete, they had accessories such as hats that represented that particular tribe. Some of the attendees also decorated their faces with marks indicative of the tribes they came from.
Besides the clothing, the event featured performances which showcased the mosaic of cultures that South Africa is. Dances from the Zulu tribe spiced up the occasion.
Besides the traditional dances, the audience was entertained by Acoustic Element, a renowned South African band consisting of cousins Jody Abel, who plays guitar and beatbox, and Callen Petersen, who plays violin. They had been flown into the country for the celebrations.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, Sino, a Zulu, said that in South Africa, there are about nine provinces and each of them has different traditions. “We have Xhosa, which is Nelson Mandela’s tribe, and Zulu to which Jacob Zuma belongs. Today, people are dressed in attires of various tribes including Sotho, Tswana and Tsonga.”
She was dressed up in full Zulu attire. “I dressed like this because I am here to celebrate our Freedom Day.”
She said that she wears this attire on occasions like this in order to showcase the South African culture.
She said that this was not the first time she was dressed in traditional South African attire. “During the events I wear different kinds of South African outfits. I can choose from any tribe.”
She added that the dance performances on the stage normally go with national occasions. “We presented a Zulu dance which conveys the message that even if things fall apart, they can be fixed. It means that everything can be back in shape.
Lwazi, also a Zulu, had a headgear worn by the Zulu. “Married men wear this headgear. There is a different one for men who are unmarried. I had this brought from South Africa,” he said.
Zine, a Xhosa, whose dressing, hairdo, face-painting and accessories represented his tribe, said, “This is a traditional Xhosa outfit. The bag is also of Xhosa origin. I am so proud to showcase my culture here and represent South Africa. Every time we have a function, I always make sure that I showcase my South African tradition.”
During the celebrations an array of South African dishes were also showcased.
Men, women and children wore outfits representing various tribes including Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Pedi, Tsonga, Swati, Ndebele and Vendi. Even if the ethnic outfits of a particular tribe some of the participants wore were not complete, they had accessories such as hats that represented that particular tribe. Some of the attendees also decorated their faces with marks indicative of the tribes they came from.
Besides the clothing, the event featured performances which showcased the mosaic of cultures that South Africa is. Dances from the Zulu tribe spiced up the occasion.
Besides the traditional dances, the audience was entertained by Acoustic Element, a renowned South African band consisting of cousins Jody Abel, who plays guitar and beatbox, and Callen Petersen, who plays violin. They had been flown into the country for the celebrations.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, Sino, a Zulu, said that in South Africa, there are about nine provinces and each of them has different traditions. “We have Xhosa, which is Nelson Mandela’s tribe, and Zulu to which Jacob Zuma belongs. Today, people are dressed in attires of various tribes including Sotho, Tswana and Tsonga.”
She was dressed up in full Zulu attire. “I dressed like this because I am here to celebrate our Freedom Day.”
She said that she wears this attire on occasions like this in order to showcase the South African culture.
She said that this was not the first time she was dressed in traditional South African attire. “During the events I wear different kinds of South African outfits. I can choose from any tribe.”
She added that the dance performances on the stage normally go with national occasions. “We presented a Zulu dance which conveys the message that even if things fall apart, they can be fixed. It means that everything can be back in shape.
Lwazi, also a Zulu, had a headgear worn by the Zulu. “Married men wear this headgear. There is a different one for men who are unmarried. I had this brought from South Africa,” he said.
Zine, a Xhosa, whose dressing, hairdo, face-painting and accessories represented his tribe, said, “This is a traditional Xhosa outfit. The bag is also of Xhosa origin. I am so proud to showcase my culture here and represent South Africa. Every time we have a function, I always make sure that I showcase my South African tradition.”
During the celebrations an array of South African dishes were also showcased.
