Nhlanhla Mahlangu's Chanting Biography Performance at Design Indaba

At Design Indaba, Nhlanhla Mahlangu showcased a captivating performance that intertwined art, history, and research via his distinctive "chanting biography" technique. This method employs body movement, vocalization, and rhythm to convey memories and narratives. Mahlangu, who hails from Phola Park and grew up during apartheid, draws heavily from his personal experiences as a vocalist, dancer, and theatre-maker. His performance delved into how personal histories, marked by political violence and cultural dislocation, influence artistic expression while addressing South Africa's history and envisioning pathways to healing. Central to his approach is isicathamiya, a traditional Zulu singing style linked to migrant labor. Mahlangu innovatively adapted this genre within contemporary theatre, merging movement, protest traditions like toyi-toyi, and avant-garde staging. This intricately choreographed work turns the body into a vessel for history, trauma processing, and identity reimagining in a fractured world, illustrating how embodied performance can function as both historical record and therapeutic endeavor.