Carrying on the legacy of a great culture, one step at a time
Dancing through the Bo Kaap streets, proudly showing off their minstrel culture is what the 7 Steps Minstrels are all about.
The Bo Kaap-based team operates from the age-old Stars Hall, recently refurbished into the Ghoema Theatre and on the steps of this theatre, the 7 Steps Minstrels were born.
Behind it all is Kader Miller, a lifelong minstrel himself, having served as a director of two of Cape Town’s most well-known minstrel teams.
“This all started when I wanted to continue showcasing our beautiful culture and then at the time, I spotted a gap, because people also wanted to learn more, especially the tourist,” Mr Miller said.
He approached a few well know local musicians and together they formed the 7 Steps Minstrels, which has already received international recognition.
Back in 2011, the 7 Steps Minstrels were invited to the prestigious Seychelles Carnival in the Seychelles.
“It was really from there that we never actually looked back. Our trip was fully sponsored and we got to go and show people what our culture was all about,” Mr Miller, confirming that they had been invited again for seven years straight after that.
“We were the first minstrels to attend an international carnival.”
The 7 Steps minstrels might be seen as one of the smallest teams on the road, with only a drum, trumpet, banjo and one or two people entertaining the crowds, but they make the biggest statement. The have been appearing at all major events hosted in Cape Town and also managed to book a few events with corporates.
Part of this group is well-known local musician and rising star, Mansoor Joseph, who was approached by Mr Miller to continue the tradition.
“This was and still is a huge part of my life, but I have learnt so many other genres that I don’t really take part as much. But being with the 7 Steps Minstrels allows me to just enjoy our heritage and culture,” Mr Joseph said.
He said the minstrel team were significant in the sense that it was purely focused on showcasing the heritage and culture of the minstrels.
“No competition, just in the road entertaining people and showing what minstrels is really about. I love entertaining people and when the opportunity arises, I grab it,” he said.
