Gregory Maqoma

Photo Credit: Thokozani Arthur Dlamini

Gregory Maqoma is a dancer, choreographer, mentor, cultural entrepenuer. He is the executive director of Johannesburg’s Vuyani Dance Theater

4Ac: A musician understands all forms of instruments can contribute to creating a piece. Voice is one of your most used instruments in the Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro, Why?

GREGORY: EVERYONE HAS A VOICE, WE JUST PITCH DIFFERENTLY: IN MY CONTEXT OF MAKING WORK, THE VOICE IS JUST AS POWERFUL AND INSPIRING AS THE DANCE, IN FACT THEY ARE INSEPARABLE.

4Ac: What kind of impact has GMI fund played on both the dancers & leadership of the company?

GREGORY: GMI FUND - IS MY PERSONAL DRIVE TO USE SOME OF MY EARNINGS TO SUPPORT ARTISTS WHO ARE IN DESPERATE DIRE NEEDS - IT IS DONE PRIVATELY WHERE THE IDENTITY OF THOSE SUPPORTED ARE NOT REVEALED UNLESS THEY DO IT THEMSELVES. THE FUND WAS CREATED RECENTLY AND IT IS NOT THE TRADITIONAL FUND WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO APPLY, I IDENTIFY THE NEEDS AND SOMETIMES RESPOND TO REQUESTS.