We’re now getting stuck into the UK tour. The best word to describe it so far is ‘hectic’, which is a very popular South African word. And the Young Zulu Warriors are certainly leaving lasting impressions on those who come across them.
The crazy rock and roll lifestyle is certainly challenging. We’ve been staying in a secret location in Hackney, annoyingly far from the tube and in a position that none of the coach drivers have been able to find without assistance. We’re learning to live and sleep surrounded by suitcases of costumes, shields, sticks and boxes of merchandise… good job it’s a secure building.
Last Friday they arrived from South Africa to a London hit by the security alerts, which made crossing town easier as most people seemed to have stayed away. After a brief rest they launched into a performance at an exhibition at Earls Court, which was extremely well received. They moved straight from there to the official launch party at South Africa House in Trafalgar Square.
This was a very classy affair, taking place in a beautiful reception room. The event was well attended and the choir performed a selection of songs to rapturous applause. Jude Law was in attendance, much to the delight of many women present and it was great to catch up with him and with lots of former volunteers.
Then the late nights began, with us not getting back to the hostel until 1am and having to unload the whole coach. Fun fun fun…
Saturday saw us heading up the M1 in terrible rain and bad traffic to the Rootsville Festival at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. Due to various factors we were late, but thanks to torrential downpours the schedule was running late too. They performed an hour-long set under the railway arches to an appreciative crowd, most of whom had been loitering about all day drinking beer, and were impressed by the traditional skins costumes, high kicks and drumming.
Then it was back to London arriving once again late in the evening. Sunday morning we headed into Central London to support Tally (the UK Tour co-ordinator) as she ran a 10K race. Despite the drizzle the group successfully encouraged and motivated the runners at the half way mark. I was amazed at how many people were running, a seemingly never-ending wall of people running straight towards us.
