Dada Masilo to be honoured with memorial celebration

In celebration of what would have been her 40th birthday, close friends, family members and fans of Dada Masilo are set to gather at the Gibson Kente Theatre, Soweto Theatre complex on February 21 for her memorial.

The Soweto-born dancer and choreographer died aged 39 on December 29 last year after a brief illness.

The memorial will feature specially choreographed works by Dada’s friends and collaborators over the years, including Moving Into Dance; Vuyani Dance Theatre; Albert Silindokuhle Ibokwe Khoza, Gaby Saranouffi and Moeketsi Koena; and Joburg Ballet, among others. 

"We want to express our gratitude to the Soweto Theatre for generously offering the use of their space for this special celebration of Dada,” her sister Xoliswa Masilo told TshisaLIVE.

Nearly two months since her passing, Xoliswa said dealing with her death has not been easy.

"This has been the most difficult time for the entire Masilo family, especially my mother, who has taken it hard. The heartache of losing a child is an unmatched suffering that no mother should have to endure, and this has left a void in her life.

"Throughout this time our solace has been the power of prayer. The days are not the same and when we all least expected it, is the painful realisation that our beloved Dikeledi, fondly known as Dada in the local and international dance community, is no more. It is our hope she is resting easy and in peace.” 

She wants Dada to be remembered for being an "outstanding daughter, sister and aunt” with a loving and caring soul who was "an incredibly talented artist”.

To preserve her legacy, Xoliswa said there were plans in the pipeline the family would implement in due course.

"The family are planning to continue to showcase her body of work and there are discussions in place to that effect.”