12-03-2025
Lewisburg Area visited by song and dance group from South Africa
LEWISBURG — Students and staff swayed, clapped and even danced during a performance by a South African musical group that visited the Lewisburg Area School District on Tuesday.
Nine members of Thula Sizwe, meaning 'hush and listen," performed at both the Linntown Intermediate School and the Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School for intermediate and middle school students. The performances included traditional and original songs, drumming, and traditional Zulu dance.
"It was great," seventh-grade student Sullivan Tiedo, 13, said. "I'm glad we got the opportunity. I'm hopeful to see them again later in life."
Sullivan and a fellow seventh-grade student Zaiden Easton, 13, were part of a group of students invited to dance with the group.
"It was really fun to hear them sing and dance," Zaiden said. "This was literally the first time I volunteered for something like this. I loved it. I got to dance."
Sullivan's brother Hendrix Tiede, 11, a sixth-grade student, called the performance "amazing."
"I liked all the songs," he said. "I was dancing along."
Thula Sizwe was formed in 1984 with four original members amid the oppressive policies of Apartheid, a state of emergency declared by the White minority government that prohibited Black South Africans from gathering; singing in public was strictly prohibited. Police and soldiers were placed in schools to enforce the law. However, Paul and his friends appealed to the school principal, and together they convinced the police and military to allow them to sing for no more than 30 minutes after school each day.
When Apartheid ended and Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, Thula Sizwe was called upon by the government to be cultural ambassadors for the 'new' South Africa. The group has traveled to many countries around the world sharing Zulu culture and promoting goodwill and peace.
Sarah Tiede, the middle school choral and general music teacher, said she first experienced Thula Sizwe years ago when she worked in the Montoursville School District. She also has visited South Africa.
"When I heard they would be back in the area, I jumped at the chance," she said. "The last time they were in the United States was 2012."
Tiede said she hoped the students will be able to take away an appreciation for other people's culture.
"Having something so authentic fro another culture will be an eye-opening experience fo the kids," she said.
Thula Sizwe will also perform with chorus members in grades six through 12 during a concert at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Lee Saville-Iksic, the tour manager and Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, said Thula Sizwe's tour is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus.
