Seatavern

YAZUKE The Black OneAfrica’s First SamuraiDance Mythology

“A river that forgets its source will soon dry out”

Baba Yaya presents Yazuke, a dynamic contemporary dance production running from 29 October to 1 November 2025 at the Observatory Community Centre in Cape Town.

Directed by Benjamin Nivison | Mandla Mbothwe, Yazuke brings to life the extraordinary story of the first African samurai in 16th-century Japan. Through movement, music and storytelling, the production explores themes of resilience, cultural hybridity, and empowerment, tracing a remarkable journey from captivity to legendary status.

Known historically as “The Black One,” Yazuke transcended the circumstances of his enslavement to become one of history’s most unique and inspiring figures – a timeless symbol of courage and African excellence.

Blending African contemporary dance, ballet, hip hop, and martial arts, Yazuke unfolds as a ritual of remembering and healing – an immersive celebration of myth, magic, and the human capacity to transcend.

DIRECTED BY:Benjamin Nivison | Mandla Mbothwe

COMPOSED BY: Dave Knowles

CHOREOGRAPHED BY: Tanzley Jooste | Leroy Samuels | Ndimphiwe Makatene | Ayabonga Koki | Asiphe Mangqwengqwe | Ace Marcus | Nico Masepe

ART DIRECTOR: David Brits

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR:Liam Mckivergan

DANCERS: Ayabonga Koki | Asiphe Mangqwengqwe | Ace Marcus | Asanda Wana | Aviwe Centane | Aviwe Siwela | Entle MatyatangaMonique Dawson | Ndimphiwe Makatene | Puseletso Maile | Zanele Mketsu | the ROOTS project

MUSICAL NARRATION: Lukho Noyila

COSTUME DESIGN: Benjamin Nivison | Nontsi Salukazana

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:Benjamin Nivison

Thank you to our sponsors The Zelezniak Family | Glen Heneck | The Crazy Store | The Foschini Group | Derek Yach | Wendy Ackerman

About Baba Yaya: Baba Yaya is a Cape Town dance company known for blending traditional African dance, contemporary street styles, and ritual performance. Deeply rooted in community and transformation, they use dance as a tool for healing, memory, and resistance.

Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/babayaya.company