African Ceremonies: The Zulu Royal Reed Dance

"A ritual that prepares more than 10,000 maidens for womanhood! Also features thrilling Zulu singing and dancing…!" So boasts the cover of this video, which I admit I popped into the VCR with a bit of trepidation. However, as soon as I saw that it was a production from Brooklyn children's librarian Boniface Wewe (Akwaaba…Welcome to Alphabetic Africa [VL 1/02]), I knew the program would present Zulu culture without exploitation. Wewe takes us to South Africa to witness the rite of passage celebrated in the Royal Reed dance, featuring an arresting blend of modern and ancient culture. After presenting background information, the tape records the ceremony itself (with appropriate explanation as needed), in which the revival of an old tradition of nation-building finds traditionally-garbed young women presenting symbolic reeds to the king, while male warriors sing and dance. The current king of the Zulu nation, Goodwill Zwelithini, then gives a speech in English to the thousands of participants and spectators, in which he addresses, in extremely frank language, the problem of AIDS as well as economic concerns. Less speech and more "thrilling" ceremony would have worked better, but it's the juxtaposition of visuals in this video that are so distinctive, in which the archaic Zulu kingdom blends with contemporary South Africa, as Western-dressed spectators, both white and black, fill the stands at the polo field, while the king addresses them, draped in animal skins. An interesting and unique glimpse of Africa, this is recommended, but because the females are topless, presenters should use discretion in showing the video to younger audiences. [Note: also newly available, African Biographies: Dr. Mangosuthu Buthelezi.] Aud: C, P. (E. Gieschen)