Based in New York City, JUXTAPOWER is a production company that celebrates and promotes the rich talent, culture and history of South Africa. With a mission to keep the dialogue about South African history, politics, people, and culture fresh within the minds of the global community; JUXTAPOWER is a project of pride, power, and culture of a people of Africa in the USA. JUXTAPOWER takes pride in bridging gaps between the cultures of the US and Africa through dance, song, and dialogue.
JUXTAPOWER was established by Sduduzo Nunu Ka-Mbili in early 2000 in New York City. It was an idea born out of an unbalanced and complete lack of cultural and theatrical exchange between the United States and South Africa. Ka-Mbili was compelled to create productions that would foster stronger cultural exchanges through Dialogue, Dance, and Song. Joined by Solomon Bafana Matea, Kelly Boyd and Charmaine Trotman, JUXTAPOWER immediately began teaching, talking, dancing, preaching, and singing about the rich heritage of S. Africa throughout schools and colleges across America. As a result of such an initiative, thousands of people across the USA and the Caribbean have had the opportunity to witness the beauty of South African culture and history through through eyes and talents of the world's most inspiring performers.
JUXTAPOWER's most recent production of "GOT ZULU!"...a must see production that first premiered in NYC in February of 2006, is a celebration of the African story that seeks to place South Africa in the world context of the present day realities. The production juxtaposes different traditional and political performing styles found in the West with those from the CONTINENT.
JUXTAPOWER has truly grown into a successful machine, whose talents are now recognized nationally and internationally. JUXTAPOWER had its first full premier of Uhambo (The journey) at the Harlem YMCA (The Little Theater) in 2005, followed by its second New York City season of "The Story" at The Kaye Playhouse Theater (Hunter College) and its third 2007 NYC season at The Wings Theater in Soho (NYC). These productions were followed by a string of tours throughout the USA and the Caribbean Islands. JUXTAPOWER celebrated its 2010 season with "GOT ZULU!" at the Dance New Amsterdam theater in NEW YORK CITY. JUXTPOWER has been reviewed by the likes of The New York Times, Village Voice, Rolling Stone Magazine, Dance Magazine and more....
Peak Performances
In 2008, JUXTAPOWER was invited to perform at the United Nations Chambers in celebration of Africa Day. The cast has also been involved in projects with the South African Consulate, South African Airways, South African Tourism and Riverside Church in New York City. Other notable performances include: Robert Deniro's Tribeca Film Festival, Launch of the late Patrick Swayze's film, King Solomon's Mines, Harlem's Apollo Theater for Africa's AIDS victims in collaboration with The Lion King and Aida cast members and more. JUXTAPOWER also opened Sounds of South Africa at City Center (NYC) hosted by Dr. Felicia Mabuza and Dr. Harry Belafonte. Performers included Hugh Masekela and the All stars, Abdullah Ibrahim, Soweto String Quartet and Khanyo. This South African Tourism sponsored event (2007) was an effort to bring awareness of South Africa's talent, beauty, and cultural abundance to the US audience. JUXTA-members also headlined a HEARST event, hosted by Russell Simmons, in 2009/2010 and many other great events in and around the United States of America.