Soweto’s ‘Magic Hat’ Dancers Capture International Attention. Watch New Video.

Two dancers in Soweto have captured the attention of a New York-based British director…who happens to be the son of legendary musician Gordon Sumner (aka Sting) and Trudie Styler.

The two dancers – Jabu and JR – have been performing their own interpretation of pantsula dance for years, and had already caught the eye of many South Africans a few months ago when YouTube user Fouda Mouda uploaded a film of their magic moves.

When SAPeople shared the video back in September 2014, many locals recognised the duo from Johannesburg’s famous Vilakazi Street (the only place in the world that has been home to two Noble Peace Prize laureates – Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu).

Director Jake Sumner didn’t see that video, but the second he drove past the dancers in Soweto, he felt compelled to film their “jaw-dropping” routine…which involves a couple of ‘magic’ hats.

“We were driving through the streets and we saw these guys out the window, spinning their hats in the air, and we just had to stop,” Sumner says on the Alldayeveryday website.

“Watching them perform, we were so blown away, and asked if we could film them. They perform on that corner every day, and have been dancing since childhood.”

Sumner, who is Creative Director of Alldayeveryday, uploaded the short film –  ‘Magic Hats’ – a week ago, saying that their “mastery of the human form and technique takes their jaw-dropping interpretation of pantsula dance to new levels” with their combination of “magic tricks and contortions”.

According to Alldayeveryday, the pantsula style – loosely based on breakdancing – has been common in Johannesburg since the ’80s and means “to waddle like a duck”.

However a South African resident Dr Greg Knill, more familiar with the dance, explains that “Pantsula were the well-dressed gangsters of the old Sophiatown in the ’50s; and the name comes from their baggy, but well-pressed, pants. Not ducks or the ’80s. The dance style has evolved over time and incorporated aspects of breakdancing as it passed through.”

Sumner says “I appreciate anybody who can move like that and make it look so simple. I don’t think the camera really does it justice.”

The soundtrack features  “Soul Crazy” by The Movers, a South African psychedelic band from the  ’60s.

Sumner has filmed in South Africa before – he filmed across Africa during the FIFA World Cup, creating a documentary about a youth soccer initiative called Hope is a Game Changer. He has also directed music videos for the likes of Bruno Mars, and completed commercial projects for companies like Nike.

Watch Video – Magic Hats

Director Jake Sumner showcases the jaw-dropping dancing of Jabu and JR, two life-long dancers from Soweto, South Africa.

Watch Video – Amazing Street Performers in South Africa

In case you didn’t see it, this the previous video that was uploaded by a YouTube user Fouda Mouda in September 2014.

More PANTSULA DANCE?

And if you’d like to watch a little more Pantsula dance…here’s another video, with some other performers.