Ludala (happiness) is a triptych that invites you to indulge in curated moments that give unbridled nostalgia, pleasure, and reflection on what it means to experience joy within our own idiosyncratic experiences.

Kicking off this three-part odyssey, Gele lauds the ‘metamorphosis’ of a matriarch when she dons her traditional garb. The seemingly nonchalant process of tying headscarves actually demands tenacity and strategy. Hence, by adorning herself, she is continuing a cultural legacy. This homage to heritage is then underscored with ‘aunties’ all dancing in their own swagger to pulsating African drums. The final shot of the headscarves is not merely affirming Nigerian women’s beauty, but promising that young women will advance the queendom.

Inspired by Taoism’s philosophy of flow, the dance and narration in Endures underscore fluidity within the body and mind. A calculated balance is struck with rigorous and gentle movements mimicking the ocean’s potent torrents and delicate ebbs, accompanied by forceful African drumming and vulnerable vocals. This reflects the turbulent but fulfilling path to self-knowledge. It is a celebration of both black love and self-love that ends poignantly with dancer, Jeremiah Olusola, kneeling with a hopeful expression as he holds his head high, surrendering himself to emotional evolution.

Finally, Is Dat u Yh? is the quintessential throwback, with Luke Wilson energetically recounting the lit motives, multicultural cuisine  and oral culture that peppered the youth of so many Black British Londoners’. It feels like Wilson is rehashing these memories with his day-ones, as the sounds of 90s and 2000s teenage-hood (like mother’s facetious remarks, London buses and Nokia ringtones) accompany the delivery. Infusing Dancehall, Hip-hop and Afrobeat rhythms with samples of cherished slang, the dances offer frivolous snapshots, even capturing the 90s aesthetic with the trademark faded colour lens.

Drawing on the future with Gele, the present with Endures and the past with Is Dat U Yh?, Ludala fosters an appreciation for the African diaspora’s dynamic culture, but also invokes a contemplation on how our heritage, personal trials and memories can comfort us in these despondent times. Ludala is a timely piece that will give a laugh, a penny-for-your-thoughts, and a hearty ‘those were the days!’ moments.

Name of Production: Ludala Collection
Year of Production: 2021
Venue: Summerhall Online

Running Time: 17 Mins

Cast: Paje Campbell, Shinice Davidson, Corey Mitchell, Jeremiah Olusola, Luke Wilson

Director: DKFash

Writer: DKFash, Wofai

Music: Sir Loui, Emmanuel Imani , Evelyn Jombala

Cinematographer: Elliot Banks, Harrison Dante, Josh Kinsella

Choreographer: DKFash

Producers/Production Company: Initiative.dkf, supported by Albany, Tamasha Theatre, the Eclipse Award

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