The Highland Council is delighted to welcome Siyaya, a multi-talented, nine- strong group of Zimbabwean performers on a return visit to the Highlands for five days of workshops and shows in school and community settings from 19 to 23 September.

Siyaya combine music, dance and theatre to produce striking and thought-provoking shows. Firmly rooted in their commitment to creating a home for new talent in Makokoba Township, Bulawayo’s oldest township, they were started in 1989 by the late Mike Sobiko, under the name NASA – the Nostalgic Actors and Singers Alliance. They rechristened themselves Siyaya, ‘Only Move’, on their tenth anniversary. As a literal description of their journeys all over the world, as well as of an identity, an ethos and a heartfelt belief, the name could not be more apt.

The 'nostalgia' Siyaya was founded upon refers to their powerful reinterpretation of traditional tales, music and dance, which they bring to life by relating them to their modern derivatives. Touring throughout Africa and Europe, the group, now under the direction of Saimon Mambazo Phili, 28, have devised and produced over ten musicals and plays.

They aim to show the people of Makokoba, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and the world that Zimbabwean popular culture, despite increasing appearances to the contrary, is still anchored in its own tradition. Tradition represents to them a source of strength and inspiration to those in their community and themselves.

Siyaya also tell the criss-crossing stories of everyday life in Makokoba Township, of people who are good, bad, young, old, criminal or innocent. They humanise familiar monochrome images of poverty in their exploration of the complicated struggles and sacrifices it throws up.

Siyaya are doing schools workshops in Gairloch High School, and in Aviemore, South Lodge and Cromarty Primary Schools as well as two others to be confirmed.

They are tying in with the FALCON Project to run an Open Workshop in Drumming, Dance and Song on Wed 21 September in The Corbett Centre, Inverness 7.15 - 9pm. Workshop cost £5/3 Bookings 01463 724261

They perform their stage show THATHA (Out of Africa into the World) at The Spectrum Arts Centre, Inverness on Friday 23 September at 7.30pm Tickets £7/4. Bookings www.thebooth.co.uk  and 01463 724261
Suitable for all the family.