Samson, Inspires Rich History of Pantsula Culture into Street Fashion
Pantsula is South Africa‘s predominant township subculture. From its roots in the Sophiatown jazz culture of the 1950’s, it developed in the 1970s to become the main expression of youth culture in the townships. It is both a mindset and lifestyle, expressed through language, music, dress code, and a narrative dance form.
Historically, traditional South African cultures have told stories through song and dance- stories of the land, stories of the living conditions in the cities.
The dance form itself is a storytelling platform that relates to and reflects historical and present-day situations.
Samson recently gifted dance crew 7UP Pantsula with clothes as they take to the streets with dance daily. Speaking to founder of the crew Katlego, he speaks about his uncle and how he always dressed in full Pantsula attire asking him to dance for the family.
Pantsula fashion has always been an important marker of identity and resistance. The text breaks down the uniform into a few key and highly specific elements; Samson kitchen suits, sneakers, and a bucket hat. The dancers move to Kwaito and House music.
Katlego mentions that he loves the quality of every clothing item, that its durability aligns with his rapid movements, not to mention the endless compliments he and his crew receive daily.
“I’ve always dreamed of being dressed in Samson clothing”.
he says- who knew that years later his dream would materialise
7 UP Pantsula is familiar with hardships and struggles.
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Katlego mentions his mother’s passing which was a painful experience he had to learn to live with, his grandmother raised him and took on the mother figure in his life. He quickly learned that he needed to earn a living and subsequently dropping out of school in grade 11 was inevitable.
With tales of substance abuse in their individual communities they thought making a difference and empowering the next generation with dance could create a better tomorrow.
Diving deeper into the culture, Pantsula has an interesting technique, the dance style is quick stepping, and there is an influence of tap dancing, the dancers have on the spot rhythmic footwork.
Although the crew continues to face different challenges, they’ve managed to counter act on these challenges by looking toward the future and not letting their pasts define them.
By doing so, 7UP Pantsula has entered a competition called Mzansi Expose Talent which showcases talent across Johannesburg and Samson is backing the crew all the way. You too, can cast your vote and help 7UP Pantsula‘s dreams materialise.
How to vote:
5 votes = R10
10 votes = R20
15 votes = R30
20 votes = R40
Banking Details
Bank: Capitec
Reference: 7UP Pantsula
Account Number: 1665749774