Gregory Maqoma – författare

My parents named me Vuyani, which simply means be happy and let us rejoice!’ The Joy Dancer, by multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer, Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, co-written with the legendary Gcina Mhlophe, takes children on a jubilant voyage through his extraordinary life. This is an autobiographical children’s book brought to life with vibrant illustrations from the acclaimed illustrator, Elizabeth Pulles. To celebrate Gregory’s 50th turn around the sun, and in marking his legacy (Birthday Legacy Project), he shares his journey of self-discovery, reminding children that their dreams can take them on extraordinary adventures, such as his. Gregory grew up in Soweto where he found magic in music and dance as a young child. His father’s jazz music, the gumboot dancers at the men’s hostel, and seeing Michael Jackson on television all stirred his imagination. Gregory played the big drum for the marching band with the drum majorettes and created his own band called The Joy Dancers who performed for his community. Gregory had a dream to dance and in this stunning book, children will take pleasure and inspiration in dreaming along with him. Both dazzling and informative–and as profoundly rich as Gregory’s dreams–The Joy Dancer will be a cherished classics for generations to come. This book is his legacy and our children’s heritage.

My parents named me Vuyani, which simply means be happy and let us rejoice!’ The Joy Dancer, by multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer, Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, co-written with the legendary Gcina Mhlophe, takes children on a jubilant voyage through his extraordinary life. This is an autobiographical children’s book brought to life with vibrant illustrations from the acclaimed illustrator, Elizabeth Pulles. To celebrate Gregory’s 50th turn around the sun, and in marking his legacy (Birthday Legacy Project), he shares his journey of self-discovery, reminding children that their dreams can take them on extraordinary adventures, such as his. Gregory grew up in Soweto where he found magic in music and dance as a young child. His father’s jazz music, the gumboot dancers at the men’s hostel, and seeing Michael Jackson on television all stirred his imagination. Gregory played the big drum for the marching band with the drum majorettes and created his own band called The Joy Dancers who performed for his community. Gregory had a dream to dance and in this stunning book, children will take pleasure and inspiration in dreaming along with him. Both dazzling and informative–and as profoundly rich as Gregory’s dreams–The Joy Dancer will be a cherished classics for generations to come. This book is his legacy and our children’s heritage.

My parents named me Vuyani, which simply means be happy and let us rejoice!’ The Joy Dancer, by multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer, Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, co-written with the legendary Gcina Mhlophe, takes children on a jubilant voyage through his extraordinary life. This is an autobiographical children’s book brought to life with vibrant illustrations from the acclaimed illustrator, Elizabeth Pulles. To celebrate Gregory’s 50th turn around the sun, and in marking his legacy (Birthday Legacy Project), he shares his journey of self-discovery, reminding children that their dreams can take them on extraordinary adventures, such as his. Gregory grew up in Soweto where he found magic in music and dance as a young child. His father’s jazz music, the gumboot dancers at the men’s hostel, and seeing Michael Jackson on television all stirred his imagination. Gregory played the big drum for the marching band with the drum majorettes and created his own band called The Joy Dancers who performed for his community. Gregory had a dream to dance and in this stunning book, children will take pleasure and inspiration in dreaming along with him. Both dazzling and informative–and as profoundly rich as Gregory’s dreams–The Joy Dancer will be a cherished classics for generations to come. This book is his legacy and our children’s heritage.

My parents named me Vuyani, which simply means be happy and let us rejoice!’ The Joy Dancer, by multi-award-winning dancer and choreographer, Gregory Vuyani Maqoma, co-written with the legendary Gcina Mhlophe, takes children on a jubilant voyage through his extraordinary life. This is an autobiographical children’s book brought to life with vibrant illustrations from the acclaimed illustrator, Elizabeth Pulles. To celebrate Gregory’s 50th turn around the sun, and in marking his legacy (Birthday Legacy Project), he shares his journey of self-discovery, reminding children that their dreams can take them on extraordinary adventures, such as his. Gregory grew up in Soweto where he found magic in music and dance as a young child. His father’s jazz music, the gumboot dancers at the men’s hostel, and seeing Michael Jackson on television all stirred his imagination. Gregory played the big drum for the marching band with the drum majorettes and created his own band called The Joy Dancers who performed for his community. Gregory had a dream to dance and in this stunning book, children will take pleasure and inspiration in dreaming along with him. Both dazzling and informative–and as profoundly rich as Gregory’s dreams–The Joy Dancer will be a cherished classics for generations to come. This book is his legacy and our children’s heritage.

Dancer, choreographer and a legendary South African artist, Gregory Maqoma’s childhood was marked by a deep connection to movement, rhythm and the assorted sounds of Soweto. From a young age, he showed a natural passion for dance. He saw this in his neighbourhood, and he immersed himself in the language of music and dance. In his teen years, he played the drum in the school band, set up his own music and dance group, before winning a scholarship to Moving into Dance, despite his father‘s wishes that he become a doctor. Gregory’s upbringing in the 1980s, a politically charged era, sparked his awareness of social issues and a desire to use art as a means of activism. Amidst the challenges and inequalities of his environment, Maqoma found solace and inspiration in the transformative power of dance. Through sheer grit and dedication, his dancing gave him the means for self-expression, allowing him to channel his emotions, dreams, and aspirations. Along the way, he encountered mentors who supported his creative spark and fellow dancers who became lifelong friends. Maqoma’s childhood experiences laid the foundation for his future as a renowned choreographer and storyteller. They instilled in him a profound respect for his cultural heritage, a commitment to social justice, and an unwavering passion for the transformative potential of the arts. His journey from Soweto to the global stage is a testament to the resilience, creativity and indomitable spirit that shaped his formative years. My Life, My Dance, My Soul is an dazzling memoir that encourages young adults to embrace their passions, overcome obstacles, and believe in the strength of their dreams. It is a testament to the extraordinary heights that can be reached when one dances to the rhythm of their own soul.