Starting on their own…

During the time Todd and Thembi were performing in Ipi Ntombi in America, they were given few months’ break. Todd and Thembi used this spare time to choreograph their own dance pieces, and performed in front of small audiences.

These first pieces were the building blocks of Umoja. After a long and successful run with Ipi Ntombi, Todd and Thembi returned to South Africa in 1982 and formed Pals of Africa. This was a 2-man, or rather 2-woman, group that took Southern Africa and neighbouring Swaziland by storm. Todd and Thembi used to perform to backtracks of the South African band, Juluka.

NEXT> Finding their feet…

 

 

Swaziland

< Swaziland

Africa Umoja's Todd and Thembi performing their first choreographed show in America.

Todd and Thembi performing their first
choreographed show.

Africa Umoja's Thembi on stage in Pals of Africa.

Thembi on stage in Pals of Africa.