Vuyo Booi: Local Artisan or Creative?
Monday, 2nd June 2025
Vuyo Booi was born and raised in Makhanda’s Joza Location, where his creative roots were nurtured by his grandmother — the woman he credits for teaching him how to navigate life’s many twists and turns.
“My grandmother showed me how to juggle this life,” he reflects. “Her strength shaped me.”
Vuyo’s journey into the arts began in 1987, inspired by the late Andile Khetsheni, a local mentor who led the Masande Players, a group that focused on drama and traditional dance. Andile took young Vuyo under his wing, offering both direction and encouragement. “He used to call me ‘Soul’ and always said, ‘As you grow, be part of something. It will help you conquer life’s problems.’ Back then, we didn’t really get it — we were kids. We used to laugh at him,” Vuyo says, smiling at the memory. “But now, I carry those words with me every day.”
In 1994–1995, Vuyo and his friend Bongani Diko decided to leave Masande Players and carve out their own path. Along with their childhood friend Xolisile Jali, they formed a drama group called Iyakha and the Three Brothers. The group came together in 1996, but internal challenges led to its early end within the same year. Still, Vuyo’s passion for the arts didn’t waver. “I tried to revive Iyakha in 1998,” he says. “It was hard to let it go. But when that didn’t work, I knew it was time for something new.”
That “something new” became the Sakhuluntu Cultural Group, which he co-founded with a few close friends. Rooted in African performance traditions and community engagement, Sakhuluntu became a regular presence at the National Arts Festival (NAF) and took part in programs like “Umdudo”, hosted annually at Rhodes University each April. “We were passionate about what we were doing,” says Vuyo. “Through those performances, we learned how to work a stage, how to bring a story to life, and how to speak through our culture.”
Sakhuluntu also competed in the Eisteddfod festival, hosted by NAF, winning several gold medals over the years. Their growth was supported in part by the International Library of African Music (ILAM) at Rhodes University, whose former director played a key role in helping the group gain structure and long-term support. “ILAM helped us form a board, gave us a foundation,” Vuyo explains. “Even when we were going through tough times, they stood with us. That meant everything.”
In April 2025, Vuyo took part in his very first Afrika Burn, held annually in the Tankwa Karoo — a space known for radical creativity, gift-giving, and community-built art installations. There, he became the first Eastern Cape artist to present giant puppets, and was honoured with a medal for his work. “It was my first time at Afrika Burn, and what an experience! I met people from all backgrounds and cultures. There’s no money involved — everything is shared freely. Food, drinks, performances — you just take what you need. It was a powerful reminder of what art can do.”
Winning that medal was a full-circle moment for Vuyo. “I thought about all the struggles I’ve been through, all the doors that were closed. And there I was, in the Karoo, being celebrated. I never imagined this. I thank God for giving me the strength to keep going.”
Now, in 2025, Vuyo is preparing to make history once again — this time by opening the National Arts Festival with his giant puppets, while continuing to lead Sakhuluntu Cultural Group in performances throughout the festival.
From a young boy called “Soul” in Joza to a cultural leader and innovator, Vuyo Booi’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted passion. His journey proves that artistry is not just about talent — it’s about purpose, persistence, and heart.
