By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
LOBAMBA – For 25-year-old dancer Mlungisi Mamba, dance isn’t just movement—it’s purpose, passion, and possibility.
His journey began in 2012 at Lobamba National High School, where he first joined the drum majorettes team. What started as curiosity quickly ignited a flame that would grow into a lifelong pursuit of performance and creativity.
Since those early days, Mamba’s passion has taken flight. He’s explored rope skipping, creative movement, and most notably, dance styles like Pantsula and Amapiano. Under the mentorship of Bhekive Makhanya, who introduced him to coaching, Mamba transformed from dancer to instructor. Today, he works with Step Sync, a local company that blends fitness and dance for children, teaching them the value of wellness, confidence, and expression.
“I wish dancers could get more support and use dance as a career in this country,” Mamba shared. “There’s so much talent in Eswatini. With the right backing, we could really build something big.”
Inspired by South African dance icon Tom London, Mamba dreams of choreographing and performing internationally. And he’s already putting in the work. His prep includes stretching, warm-ups, and watching YouTube tutorials to sharpen his skills. He also connects regularly with other local dancers to swap moves and inspiration.
Despite early-stage nerves—his first big performance almost saw him quit—he pushed through and found joy in the crowd’s energy. “It gave me goose bumps,” he recalls with a smile. That same perseverance earned him second place in his first dance competition in Durban (2014) and first place in Mozambique. He’s also performed at Eswatini’s MTN Bushfire Festival, one of Africa’s leading music and arts events.
Mamba’s favourite song to dance to right now is “Zulu by Ice Beats Slide. That’s my Amapiano jam!”
Looking ahead, Mamba is already teaching in private schools and plans to expand to government schools next year. His ultimate goal?
“To perform overseas and become a professional choreographer.” He dreams of one day sharing a stage with international sensation Limpopo Boy.
Mamba is also excited about the emerging national dance federation being championed by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture.
“Dance in Eswatini is going far now,” he says. “There’s still more to do, but it’s happening.”
From humble beginnings to international ambitions, Mlungisi Mamba is proving that with rhythm, heart, and hustle, anything is possible.
