Customer Reviews

Ipi Ntombi: An African Dance Celebration [VHS]

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have audio cassettes for Ntombi Marhumbhini. My friend gave them to me when I was in Malawi. When I came to the US, I wanted if I could find a VHS for the audio cassettes I have only to find Ipi Ntombi. I read the reviews, and I did not hesistate to buy it.
This movie is great. The way they sing and dance depicts African originality. Their voices are so sharp that I do not see it boring throughout. If you haven't watched this movie, please try to. You will not regret like I am not regretting having bought it. If you have watched Namu Lwanga from Uganda, it is almost at par. Namu Lwanga holds shows in colleges and universities all around United States.

Finally, I would advise to look for this movie and see for yourself.

I first came across(and fell deeply in love with) Ipi Ntombi as a youngster growing up in Nigeria a quarter of a century ago. I am pleased to say that, 25 years and a few modifications later, the magic has not palled. The at-times haunting love story, the vibrance of dance and costume, the enchanting melodiousness of the music, and the obvious delight of the cast in their work are all conveyed to the audience in a way that I, at least, find deeply moving. The purist will rightly say that this version is in some respects markedly different from the original. True, but of little consequence. Rarely will a second version of anything be nearly as good as this. The choral scene at the beginning of Mama Tembu's wedding is alone worth the price of this video, not to mention the Warrior Song. I used to tell my daughters aged 5 and 7 of this group called Ipi Tombi that I saw as a kid growing up at home, and I suspect they listened politely out of courtesy. Not any more- they watch this video at least 4 times a week, and I am seriously considering getting them their own copy, so I can adore Velaphi Mnisi in peace and quiet!! I have no hesitation in recommending this video to anyone even remotely interested in Africa or its music.

I emigrated to the USA from South Africa in 1970, and first heard the tunes from Ipi Thombi -- as it was called then -- in a NYC disco some five or six years later. Then shortly afterward, saw the first stage show live at NYC's Harkness Theater, just before anti-apartheid activists shut it down, throwing the black South African cast and crew out of work. Irony, no? Since then, I have never been able to get its music out of my mind. So I bought the first album mostly featuring Margaret Singana ... then the second double album of the show. Both albums are now almost worn through. Then recently, I happened to catch a glimpse of a familiar scene as I surfed past PBS -- and clicked right back to find myself in the middle of a riotous river of swirling color and African harmonies (unmistakable, and unlike any other!) and saxophones and drums and ankle bracelets and movement (you better BELIEVE we got rhythm!) and almost the SMELL of Africa, even ... and a rush of memories like a blow to the chest. It pins you back to the couch, this show does, and never lets you go. Someone, somewhere, noted that if Ipi nThombi was not already the national opera of South Africa, then it ought to be; and that's true. Is it an odd thing that this sensitive glimpse into the African soul, this great tuneful outburst of black African exuberance was written by two white women? Not if you're South African, no: southern Africa's in your DNA. Watch "Ipi nTombi" and understand.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see the show Ipi Ntombi, and let me tell you that I was just mesmerized by all the dancing and singing, I would recommend it for anyone to see it, it was just awesome. I would love to see it again. A wonderful performance. Congratulations to the cast.

I first saw Ipi Ntombi on a PBS fundraising drive. I contemplated pledging the $80 inorder to get the video. My budget then did not allow me to. When my daughters came from Jamaica to live with me I promised to find the video. I at first searched the libraries but did not find it. I went online and much to my delight found it at Amazon.com. Since I received my copy of Ipi Ntombi I can truelly say that the video has been played in my house at least once PER DAY!

I was introduced to this video by our local PBS station. I happened to be surfing the TV and saw the 1/2 hour show about the show and the people in it. I was so intrigued that I looked through the whole TV guide to see when next Ipi would be on. I recorded that show and almost wore out my tape. Then as luck would have it, Ipi became more known and this professionally done video was available. It has more songs than the PBS version. If you like rythyms (sp?) and dance and drums and song that seem to be from other parts of the world also (South American, Polynesian) but are downright South African, you will love this show. It is a very basic story line but filled with music and dance by songs that were already popular in South Africa. There is tribal warrior dancing and also "city" life and song and dance in this production. When I watch my video, which is often, I almost cry with the intensity of what I see and hear. I know this sounds "a bit much" but it is true. I would have loved to see this show in person but at least I have the video. Ironically when this troope came to the U.S. it was affected by out own rules of conduct having to do with African-Americans and also with people who were against aparthid and therefore picketed the show not having any idea what it was about or who were the cast and ended up having a very bad taste in their collective mouths about our country. Try it for yourself. Enjoy

If you are lucky enough to have seen the original live show like myself (some 24 years ago)you may find this a little dissapointing, so please be open minded and treat it as though this is your first time. The singers are not so clear or anywhere near so powerful and although the dances are flashed up a little , some are spoilt by modernization in an attempt to make the story clearer (where as it was guess work for us in the original- but you got the jist because it was so well done). The other main problem for us was that some of the more powerful moments had been reduced , like the warrior song , which was probably the most powerful song/experience we (and i speak for 5 of us) had ever had , where as now it was almost level with all the other songs. I don't wish to make this sound bad for it is truly a wonderful show/experience - I only wish that it was the original. I once had the double album sound track (bought back stage) which was released through k-tel records here in the u.k. but alas I have lost it. If anyone has it I would really appreciate a copy . Apparently there is a c.d. being re-released but I don't know yet if it is the original group or the new.

I missed Ipi Ntombi when they came to London, i watcthed a FRIENDS and i loved it so much that i went out looking for one in our local b/shop but they even did not know it was on video.
Umoja =THE SPIRIT OF TOGETHER is featuring in London and i and a friend have been to see them four times and i cant wait till they make a video. Well done AND MORE PRODUCTIONS like this should be promoted, thank you for your quick service.
IrenePANTHER.

I showed this video to my students in an African Studies course. They were mesmerized. The athletes were amazed at the intensity of the dance and the talent required to perform in such a sensational manner. Each member of the class had moving and insightful comments. We watched every minute of it. Students are surfing the web trying to find out about African culture and dance. I was delighted. The only problem is that now all the students want to travel to Africa to experience dance first hand.

I have seen Ipi Ntombi three times on PBS stations and the story excites me every time I view it. The costumes are wonderful, the dancers have so much spunk and endless energy, and the music is uplifting. The conflicts between the old and the new, indigenous culture and modern day society, father and son, are all explored in this musical delight. Another feature that makes this South African tale dear to my heart is that this videotaped performance symbolized the first time blacks and whites were allowed to sit together, side by side, to see this musical.