Yes-Ya-Yebo! is a celebration of the 12 official languages of South Africa. All explored through the medium of song and dance. From traditional folk songs and dances such as The Click Song and Kwela-Kwela, to modern songs sprinkled with that township vibe!

The cast are all from the township areas of Lwandle/ Nomzamo and areas from Macassar outside Cape Town.

None have ever been in an airplane before.

August 25, 2023    Entertainment Now

When tourists from all corners of the globe descend on Edinburgh for the Fringe, the city becomes a hub of the world. There’s no exception in the distances the acts travel to perform their shows. From the from the southern tip of Africa, Yes-Ya-Yebo! bring a troupe of teenage performers who had never flown on a plane before.Once the audience settles, we hear the bellowing voice of a woman singing. Her voice reverberates, welcoming us into into the space.

The troupe fills the stage with a boundless energy, dancing to an upbeat tune of elation. What follows are a series of dances, vocal duets, and some seamlessly presented information on the country they call home, South Africa. The show ended up delivering much more than I could have never imagined. The talent was infinitely prevalent in every single cast member. They each brought a charisma that elevated the show to make it memorable. There was humour, cheekiness and a whole lot of entertainment. There was never a dull moment.


The audience is brought on a passage through the various dialects, sounds and dances of South Africa. With a personal touch at the end, some audience members are brought up to their feet to join in on the party. It is obvious no one wants it to end. The show is brought to Edinburgh by The Imibala Trust, the charity runs a programme in which donors can sponsor an individual through school for seventy pounds. The show is a direct product of the potential the charity has to enable these young kids that possess the ability to take the world by storm. This hour was one most definitely well spent. Click Here For Review

August 21, 2023    Broadway World

Back In 2012, host of the Edinburgh Fringe showcase ‘Pick of the Fringe’ Mervyn Stutter raised money at his Gala for this charity Imibala – an organisation serving children from impoverished backgrounds in the Helderberg Basin for over two decades. The money raised has made a dream come true for the cast members of this dynamic and vibrant show.

All from the township areas of Lwandle/Nomzamo and areas from Macassar outside Cape Town. Yes – Ya – Yebo! consists of five girls and four boys all around the age range of 16 -24. Not one of these members have ever been abroad or on an aeroplane.

Through the power of song and dance, this performance celebrates the 12 official languages of South Africa; Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

Through each language comes a different style of song and dance which resonates with the language and area. Afrikaans is clearly effected by Dutch and German influences and seems more upbeat and contemporary, whereas the isiXhosa has a more traditional, folk sound such as such as "The Click Song" which was famously sung at weddings to bring good fortune. As the group meander through the various languages and music; we imagine South Africa; the Rainbow Nation at its heart – a unity of all cultures under one sky living in peace together full of colour and energy.

The highly rhythmic music and use of percussion matched with gentle melody and harmonies spiral and reflect the inner feelings of each part of the country. From duo, romantic melodies sung euphoniously and with a sweet-tone by 19-year-old Sphumeze Gwayana and 16-year-old Goodwill Beliwe to dramatic upbeat group performances of all 8 performing big dance numbers. As the show dynamically moves, we can’t help but sway on our seats with a big smile.

A particularly impressive moment when the three boys (all 16/17 years old); Ahlume Ndonegi, Dondre Colberg and Goodwill Beliwe do a gumboot dance which was originally a means of communication amongst miners who were forbidden from talking to one another. This is an example of the subtle subtext to each episode of this show. The three utilise the concepts of polyrhythm and total body articulation with every movement making it a spectacle to watch.

Director and choreographer, Mnayemezeli Sylvester Magqabaza entwines the various high energy dance sequences with thoughtful speeches with references to going from rags to riches and Nelson Mandela.

Yes – Ya – Yebo! is not just an ode to a beautiful country and its people but it is an example of the life changing power of theatre. All ten of them are natural born performers, it is a moment for a group of young adults to use their voice and bodies to express themselves and experience the world.

This is a celebration of something much bigger than just a show and will give you a spring in your step when you leave. Click Here For Review

August 1, 2023   Fest

Top Picks – Cabaret and Variety

Meet a troupe who have never been to the Fringe, or on an aeroplane, as they fly in courtesy of the Imibala Trust – a South African non-profit that works with children in impoverished circumstances. The show celebrates the 12 official languages of South Africa with energetic and authentic song and dance. Click Here For Article