Iva Collective is a cross cultural collaboration of artists from Southern Africa. Curated by core duo Buntu Duku and Samantha Collett, whose deep convictions and freshness of approach to therapeutic performance art signify the ethos ‘unifying through art’. An intrinsic weaving of indigenous, classic, traditional and contemporary sounds and stories. The name ‘iva’ is derived from the isiXhosa ‘yiva’, an invitation to listen, feel or taste, with a biblical reference to ‘Eve’ the first woman, paying homage to all women.
The Iva Collective are proud ambassadors of Ivanya Yethu Heritage Foundation amplifying a message of unified culture and ‘oneness’, paying homage to the indigenous peoples of the land and contributing to the expansion of positive power and knowledge to communities in marginalised areas.
In Motion
History and Awards
- 2025 – Opening Performance for KwaNojoli Name Change Documentary Screening at Jakes Gerwel Foundation
- 2025 – Solstice performance during Kenton Wellness Festival
- 2024 – Opening Performance for KHETHA Project Conservation Journalism funded by WWF
- 2023 – Performed for the MEC of health and particiapnts at the Rural Health Conference in Chintsa featuring brother Sandla Somphefumlo.
- Opened the stage at ‘Spirit Music’ event hosted by Roots Grown Deep (featuring renowned artists such as Joel Karabo Elliot, Luyolo Lenga, Thando Bassline & Seka).
- Awarded with their 2nd Standard Bank Ovation Award for their performance titled ‘Turning Tides’ at the National Arts Festival 2023 featuring Umtha Namanyange.
- 2022 – Released the debut experimental album titled ‘Umhlaba Ophezulu’.
- Hosted musicians Sibusile Xaba, Banned from the land, Stonehouse and Wandile Hlamvana at their event ‘In the Highlands’ sponsored by ConcertsSa.
- Performance at the annual ‘Under the Chimney’s’ one day festival in Grahamstown.
- 2021 – The collective took part in the National Arts Festival 2021 vFringe program and were recognized with a Standard Bank Bronze Ovation Award for their virtual performance ‘Umhlaba Ophezulu’.
- In march 2021 Iva facilitated an Artist residency (Supported by Ivanya Yethu & National Arts Council of South Africa) in the unspoiled and ancient landscape of the Karoo, Eastern Cape. Bringing high artistic quality emerging artists as well as established artists to a meeting point through art. An exchange of skill and wisdom. Here the artists collaborated in the creation of Iva’s experimental maiden album titled ‘Umhlaba ophezulu’, featuring artists such as Xhanti Nokwali, Sibusile Xaba, Amandla Akhona, Alexandra Collett, Wandile Hlamvana, Naomi Gumede & Songeziwe Myeha. Sponsored by the National Arts Council.
- 2020 – Iva performed for the renowned South African author Mr J.M Coetzee at the launch of his biographical exhibition titled ‘Scenes from the South’ at AMAZWI museum of Literature. The performance was recorded and broadcast at a later stage at the Universtity of Adelaide, Australia.
- In 2020 Iva took part in the National Arts Virtual Festival in July with a performance supported by Sunday Sessions XI.
- 2019 – Artists in residence at the Schreiner Karoo Writers Festival in Cradock for 3 years between 2019 – 2021.
Download our Manifesto for more information.
