Drummies

The sport of drum majorettes has a long history in South Africa, becoming popular in the early

80s, but participation in the sport has since dropped dramatically. In contemporary culture there

is a strong sense of nostalgia linked to drum majorettes; it is viewed as the pursuit of a bygone era.

However, in many marginalised communities across the country, it is still taken seriously and is

considered a highly competitive sport. For the girls and young women involved, being a drummie

is a privilege and an achievement, indicative of success on and off the field. The notoriously

demanding practice schedules are representative of the girls’ commitment, and their ability to

work hard.

‘This is part of my ongoing work exploring notions of femininity and empowerment in modern

society. With my continued investigation into this subculture, I hope that these images can

communicate the pride and confidence these girls have achieved through identifying as

‘drummies,’ in a context where they face many social challenges. I want these images to function

as a testament to the commitment and determination of these young female athletes, in a world

where so many sporting opportunities are still focused on men.'