Christopher Kindo 1955 – 2015
Tributes for Christopher Kindo (pictured) have been pouring in as the news of his death on April 20 travels the world. One of South Africa’s most talented dancers and pioneering choreographers, Christopher’s legacy of performance and creativity document an exceptional talent that inspired and enthralled performers and audiences and forever changed the landscape of South African dance. He deserves every accolade to his talent as performer and choreographer.
His true legacy, however, lies in the memories we all hold of him as a teacher, mentor, “big brother” and most of all friend.
Christopher’s signature wide grin, generous nature and loving heart drew people of all ages, status, race, creed and nationality.
His friends number in legions and many have, over the past year, beat a steady path up the hill to the “Kindo Villa” in Simon’s Town to spend time with the man who epitomised “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (a person through others).
It was never a question for Christopher that his success, affirmation and humanity were deeply intertwined with the success and fulfilment of others. It was the philosophy that shone from every work he created and every life he touched. He was known for his deep and loving commitment to his family who were often the subject of proud stories and the reasons for long visits abroad.
His generosity was legendary. Performers, dancers and friends would always find an attentive ear, sage advice, a place to stay and even money to help them out of difficulty – despite the fact that his income was often uncertain. He would often work for little or no reimbursement and when some of us would remonstrate with him about this, he would say words to the effect of:
“But they are young and/or have no money.” Christopher took great delight in the responsibility of being “big brother” to countless young artists as he guided them as they built their careers.
His passion for working with young people was surpassed only by his love of cooking. Curries, roasts, soups, chicken pies and breyani were often made in huge quantities after which he would start calling around to invite people to come and eat.
He loved meals that took time, because everyone could be part of the preparation, glass of wine in hand as he cooked, and take part in the boisterous laughter that always accompanied time spent with Christopher.
The last time I saw him was not one of his good days. He was tired and having difficulty eating. However, this did not dampen the impishness which had him chuckling at having been awarded a Western Cape Ministerial award for contribution to dance, or his genuine interest in wanting to know how my mom was as he hadn’t seen her for some time. Only a short word on his condition was allowed and then he was back to talking about the people who had visited and the dishes he had made at the weekend.
Until the very last, he was in contact with people, encouraging them, sharing something funny, telling others how proud he was of them, all the while bearing the burden of his illness with grace and dignity.
Christopher has left the world better place for his having been in it. Despite our loss, there is comfort to be drawn from two enduring truths: Christopher Kindo was an extraordinary artist who wore his genius lightly and an exceptional human being whose love, compassion and generous spirit encompassed and altered all he touched. Hamba kahle, dear friend. – Gillian Mitchell