In a world where young people often find themselves susceptible to the harmful allure of drugs and alcohol, one man is determined to make a difference. Evans Shirinda (38), widely known as DJ Mahumani, has taken a bold stand to promote dance as a powerful tool for steering young people away from destructive habits.
DJ Mahumani, who is also an MC and event organiser, dedicates his time to educating young people about the positive impact of learning traditional South African dances, such as the xibelani, xingondo, and pantsula. He wants to become a beacon of hope for a brighter, drug-free future, firmly believing that dance can act as a transformative force in the lives of young people.
After completing Grade 12 at Lemana High School some years ago, he enrolled for a course in marketing at IQ Academy in Centurion, where he completed his diploma in 2011. He has been passionate about music since his early years, playing his jukebox and dancing to the music.
"I grew up with an interest in different genres of music; be it House, R&B, hip-hop, kwaito, rhumba, or Xitsonga traditional music. I was inspired by local DJ Morris Hlungwani from Elim Rivoni, known as DJ Moss, who also used to make music at local events. He taught me everything about music," he said.
Having established Mahumani Entertainment in 2012, DJ Mahumani aims to empower young people through his passion for South African traditional dances. He not only teaches them the steps but also educates them about the rich cultural heritage behind each movement.
"I want to offer youths a way to express themselves creatively, while building their confidence and self-esteem. I teach young people about dancing and organising events, but I also teach them that they must focus on their studies. I am further planning to start a local football team and host tournaments to uplift my village and surroundings," he said.