Basadi le Meropa

Basadi Le Meropa is a group of young South African women, who tell the stories of their lives through marimba, song, drums, dance and the spoken word. The group, which has been in existence since 2003, has received widespread accolades in a genre that is undoubtedly male-dominated.

Representing the strength, talent and optimism of African women, Basadi provide a refreshing performance filled with original composition and choreography, colourful costumes, exhilarating drumming, melodic marimbas, upbeat vocals and a wide variety of dances including stick-fighting choreography, Afro-contemporary dance, Pantsula and Township Jive. The show is unique in that it draws upon the individual experiences of the women, who are each performers in their own right. Basadi are also starting to branch out by playing other traditional instruments including the mbira, akadinda, uhadi and kudu horn.

A highlight of their career was performing with Shakira at the FIFA World Cup 2010 Kick Off Concert.  Further highligts include being on of the top feature performances for South African President Thabo Mbeki at the opening of Parliament in 2005, and receiving a standing ovation at the opening ceremony of the Women’s World Cup Cricket. In the same year, Basadi toured Belgium, as well as the Netherlands for the Festival Mundial.  They returned to the Netherlands due to popular demand in 2006.  In 2008, members of Basadi Le Meropa performed in Beijing, China.

Over and above their spectacular stage show, Basadi Le Meropa can also facilitate tailor-made interactive drumming sessions. They can extend the Basadi to a group of eight or more, for an even more potent all-woman experience. The ladies can also collaborate with the male virtuoso drummers of 1st Project, in a sparkling fusion performance with elements of fusion drumming. 

Amongst others, Basadi have performed for:

• Dimension Data              
• Old Mutual
• United Cricket Board
• MTN
• Standard Bank
• Alexander Forbes
• Citi Group
• BBC
• IBM
• SAP
• SAA Media Launch
• Government departments
• Eskom
• Cadburys
• BMW
• SAPPI
• Universities (University of Johannesburg; University of Pretoria)
• Development Bank SA
• Accenture
• BHP Billiton
• 702
• Sasol
• Gerling Insurance
• International Marketing Council
• Gauteng Tourism
• Unilever