About MAKUDA
MAKUDA was founded by choreographer and artistic director Tendai M. Makurumbandi in 2013 and rebranded in 2023 into a symphony of creative works that cores the voices and aesthetics of the marginalized.
Tendai M. Makurumbandi is a professional dancer and choreographer based in Kristiansund, Norway.
He holds an MA in Choreography from Oslo National Academy of the Arts and BA in dance and choreography from the National Ballet of Zimbabwe.
Early beginnings
Brought up in the high-density suburb of Mbare, the young Zimbabwean artist, was born to less privileged family of seven. The will to learn and the potential to see possibilities within and beyond the dusty suburbs of Mbare, accumulated into creative strength for the young choreographer.
Through the gravel in bare feet, going from one place to another to make ends-meat, Tendai’s feelings of inferiority that plagued him throughout his life, from his brief but promising sortie as an athlete, D.J and self-taught musician, led his ultimate success in the dance world. His positive drive despite circumstances is a unique trait achieved through various experiences from his life since birth.
Background
Experience
Tendai Makurumbandi began his ballet studies in 2002. He took his bachelor’s degree in dance at the National Ballet of Zimbabwe, under the watchful eye of Marie-Laure Soukaina Edom. He won the top prize at his graduation as the overall best student and graduated with Honors merit.
In 2005, he made his debut at Pustervik theatre in Gothenburg, where he danced with the Swedish based Kompani Raande-vo, directed by the late choreographer, Lena Josefsson.
He toured extensively with Kompani Raande-vo for many years. In 2012 Tendai moved from Sweden to Norway, Kristiansund, where he resides to date. He works with Kristiansund Opera within multiple roles in dance development.
Makurumbandi holds a Master`s degree in Choreography from Oslo National Academy of the Arts.
Creations & Establishments
He has choreographed works like Silent drum, Nyami Nyami, Angels Amongst Us and Dis(placed) shadows, among many other.
In his choreographic practise, Makurumbandi explores shadows as metaphor as an active resistance of alterity.
Influenced by lived and inherited experiences, his choreographic practice weaves individual stories into a symphony of identities that interacts across the boundaries of difference.
During his time in Kristiansund via Sunndalsøra, he established Compassion 2Dance Company (2013) now rebranded to MAKUDA (Makurumbandi Dance).
Makurumbandi is the founder and artistic director of the annual dance festival, IN2IT, which was established in 2016.