The vibrant dance culture of the townships, encompassing styles like Pantsula, Hip-Hop, and traditional dances, is widely celebrated. But, tap dancing remains a lesser-known and underappreciated art form in these communities. Changing that narrative is one of the driving missions for tap artist and “hoofer” Xolani Mfula, a.k.a “X”, who is also part of the ensemble “Mfula Brothers.” X is dedicated to elevating this elaborate and elegant dance style, and has also explored its depths both theatrically performing it, and likewise teaching it.
Tapping for more than a decade now – since 2011 – Mfula says he grew up always wanting to be a dancer – and could be seen in class from primary school mimicking role-models such as Gregory Hines and Savion Glover, and often getting mocked for it because it was at the time unusual. “X” says that tap has many areas in which it can benefit the life of an individual, not just creatively, but also for memory, health, as well as economic viability and sustainability.
“The possibilities for us in this time means that people who have brands, have the potential to grow in their areas of expertise with enough financial support to back them from corporates and arts entities.”
“It would be nice to have the world tap dancing in as much as the world sings, and that would only be the start. We know almost everybody can sing – from some of those singers there have superstars, and healers alike have been produced.People sing in different ways and different styles to express themselves. Likewise with tap-dancing I envision it should be that way. Everybody has a different way of expressing their dance, there is room for tap dancing to become a very common dance form taking expression in different genres and styles- that’s my inspiration”, he says.
He also that the tap dancing industry is a fully fledged industry that could equally well support numerous other related industries like shoe production & manufacturing (e.g. cobblers that make tap shoes , art direction and fashion and to thrive under its wing. He mentions that other benefits of tap dancing is that it keeps one away from the social ills of the streets. “There are a lot of bad things happening around us in the hood. While this is a cliche, sadly it’s also true because it’s a lived reality. Having kids that tap dance counters the effects of the hostile ghetto environment.” He adds.
Mfula has through his career in tap also featured in big performance collaborations and partnerships – where he has featured in theater plays like Miriam Tlali : Devil at the Dead End – which was directed by John Lata. Mfula has also featured his work in moving performances around the country where has also been privileged to work with Jazz artists like Mandla Mlangeni , the Amandla Freedom Ensemble , as well as fine artists like Mbongeni Fakudze. Mfula added that working with his brother Smangaliso “Smash” Mfula has made him more versatile and exposed him to collaborate with various music artists at music festivals like Macufe and AfroPunk, which has enabled him to expand his tap dancing study and step beyond the typical 4-4 tap style.
As the year 2024, comes to a close he anticipates the year ahead to be full of booking for both performances and tap dance lessons. His lessons are charged at R100 an hour.
As a tap dance teacher X says that he has noted that even for the children he teaches a regular sense of personal accomplishment is felt , and self- esteem is built as a result of improved academic performance and issues with self image. “If you work hard enough, it’s rewarding and you get your flowers while you live and it also has the potential to make you travel across the globe.”
The current mission he is currently on now is also to help the children he teaches tap dancing to get new pairs of tap dancing shoes. “As part of my social responsibility as a tap dancer, I’d like to see all people passionate about dance – especially tap dancing – stand behind the good cause of getting the likes of children Ntokozo- one of the best tap dancers I’ve taught to get a new pairs of tap shoes” .Ntokozo looks up to Sarah Reich, Starina Dickson, Chloe Arnold – the best of women that tap dance from the context of America. Mfula also said that women that tap in South Africa are also very brilliant, and it would be an achievement to all the generation of children under his tutelage get to that level.
“People can start following me, Xolani Mfula, liking, sharing and commenting positively on my page, so that we can build relationships to help keep you posted on the latest happenings.” he said.
By Motshabi Hoaeane
