03/06/2026
Before the opening show of MBUNDA, the Artistic Director of NAfro Dance Productions, Casimiro Nhussi, has some words about the work:
Mbunda is one of the most unique dance works I have created with NAfro’s artists to date. This piece carries delicate layers and contrasting energies that pushed me both intellectually and emotionally. Its roots lie in the African traditions I grew up with—traditions in which the Mwavi and the Muntela played profound roles in shaping my understanding of the world. In many African cultures, a Mwavi is a real, often hereditary, supernatural force used to cause harm, explain misfortunes (illness, death, accidents), and disrupt social harmony. These figures are distinct from Muntela who are respected for curing illness and providing guidance.
As I explored these themes, I encountered the stark differences between Western concepts of “bad witch” and “traditional healers” and the meanings they hold in my own cultural upbringing. Those tensions challenged me deeply, but they also opened the door to a richer, more thought provoking creation.
This work is not a portrayal of Mwavi or Mutela. Instead, it is an exploration of the balance of power—of the eternal dance between good and bad. No matter the names we give these forces, when something is good, it is good; when it is bad, it is bad. Mbunda invites us to reflect on that balance, and on the choices that shape who we become.
We cannot turn a bad thing into something normal. What’s bad is bad and what’s good is good. This dance work is a reminder. It is asking us to see things as they are, and to hold that line with honesty. CN
We hope to see you tonight or tomorrow!
