Young Kulani Khosa is fast becoming a leader in her own right.
At the tender age of 7, the Grade 2 learner at Majosi Primary School already leads a xigubu group and has become so popular that no show is complete without her.
Her talent was spotted in 2018 during an Easter traditional dance competition held at Magoro village. She has since become a household name and has performed with the group Virus 2015.
The name was inspired by a well-known song by Dr Thomas Chauke, Shimatsatsa No 32, which became a very big hit.
Last weekend, the girl left her fans eating out of her hands and asking for more when she showed them her unique dancing skills during a social gathering held at the local Balanganani sports ground at Davhana outside Vuwani.
Kulani’s father, Mr Kenneth Khosa, said that she had shown her potential and had always joined them during practice. "She is still very young, but I could not stop her from doing what she loved. After much hesitation, I allowed her to join the group and she even surpassed my expectations during traditional dance competitions. She has since become a pillar of strength to the group, and when we go out to perform, fans will be asking whether she will in the line-up or not. This shows that people enjoy her performance," he said.
Cllr Khazamula Edward Rivombo, councillor for Ward 32 at the Collins Chabane municipality, commended the girl's father and founder of the group for keeping the Vhatsonga culture alive. "Here we are seeing stars of tomorrow, and what makes us happy is that the practice and performances keep the young ones from roaming the streets with nothing to do," he said.