Story: Philip Weiss
Mandla Nkosi Sibanda passed away in the early hours of 26th March 2012 having collapsed near his home at Crabtree nature reserve, it is thought from hypothermia, but the exact causes are yet to be determined.
Mandla was born in Lupane, Zimbabwe, and arrived in Sheffield in 1993 with Sunduza Dance theatre, basing himself in the heart of Burngreave.
He will be remembered as musical director for SOSA-XA! Sounds of Southern Africa Choir. As well as leading the group for 12 years, performing regularly at Abbeyfield Festival amongst other events, he also led Kutamba Kids! for several years in Burngreave.
He gave children in over 180 schools a positive image of Africa through workshops in digital arts, dance and a variety of arts projects. He was an oustanding story teller capturing the imagination of children through highly animated performances. In 2011 he helped to lead the Singing for Change project through SEMEA (Southern EMedia Education and Art) which linked communities in Burngreave and Bulawayo. He had just begun to support a new “Dancing for Change” project supported by BBC performing Arts through SEMEA.
Mandla believed in bringing communities of all faiths and backgrounds together. He did this through a natural charismatic personality, by modestly sharing his talents and bringing great joy and energy to everyone with whom he worked. He leaves behind a wife and four young children and he will be sadly missed by all who had contact with him.
A memorial trust is being set up in his name. Please email arts@semea.org.uk for details or tel 243 7899
Full article about Mandla Sibanda's life