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Alice Mann’s ‘Drummies’: Celebrating South Africa’s All-Female Drum Majorette Corps

Katelyn Long05 mins

iBestTravel: Celebrating South Africa’s Drum Majorettes

From 2017 to 2020, photographer Alice Mann documented South Africa’s all-female school drum majorette corps. Describing them as “something between a cheerleading squad and a marching band,” her work highlights the unique identity and empowerment these teams offer to young girls.

From 2017 to 2020, photographer Alice Mann documented South Africa's all-female school drum majorette corps. She describes them as 'something between a cheerleading squad and a marching band.' Here the Fairmont High Drum Majorettes practice on a national holiday, Cape Town, 2018.
From 2017 to 2020, photographer Alice Mann documented South Africa’s all-female school drum majorette corps. She describes them as “something between a cheerleading squad and a marching band.” Here the Fairmont High Drum Majorettes practice on a national holiday, Cape Town, 2018.

The images are collected in her photo series ‘Drummies.’ This series captures the vitality and dedication of the young participants, such as the Hillcrest Primary Majorettes seen below.

The images are collected in her photo series 'Drummies.' Pictured here are the Hillcrest Primary Majorettes, Grabouw, 2018.
The images are collected in her photo series ‘Drummies.’ Pictured here are the Hillcrest Primary Majorettes, Grabouw, 2018.

Moreover, Mann sees the image-making process as a collaboration between subject and artist. She prefers to invite her subjects to choreograph their own portraits rather than direct them. This approach resulted in authentic, empowering images like that of Tanique Williams from the Hottentots Holland team.

Mann sees the image-making process as a collaboration between subject and artist. She prefers not to direct and instead invites her subjects to choreograph their own portraits. Tanique Williams is a majorette in the Hottentots Holland team, Cape Town, 2018.
Mann sees the image-making process as a collaboration between subject and artist. She prefers not to direct and instead invites her subjects to choreograph their own portraits. Tanique Williams is a majorette in the Hottentots Holland team, Cape Town, 2018.

Consequently, Mann strives to capture images that are honest and humanizing while reflecting the identity the girls wish to project. Through her lens, we see the Fairmont High Drum Majorettes in their element, a powerful representation of confidence and sisterhood.

Mann strove to create images that were honest, humanizing, and showed the identity the girls wanted to project. Pictured here are Chloe Heydenrych, Paige Titus, Ashnique Paulse, Elizabeth Jordan, and Chleo de Kock from the Fairmont High Drum Majorettes, Cape Town, 2018.
Mann strove to create images that were honest, humanizing, and showed the identity the girls wanted to project. Pictured here are Chloe Heydenrych, Paige Titus, Ashnique Paulse, Elizabeth Jordan, and Chleo de Kock from the Fairmont High Drum Majorettes, Cape Town, 2018.

Furthermore, Mann emphasizes how these drum majorette teams create a safe and empowering environment for South Africa’s young women. Each team has its own distinctive style, making participation a unique form of self-expression, as seen in the Elgin Majorettes.

Mann feels that the drum majorette teams create a safe and empowering space for South Africa's young women and girls. Each team has its own individual style, here Hilary Kernal is seen sporting one of the Elgin Majorettes' signature feathered caps designed by their coach, Rehard Smith. Grabouw, 2018.
Mann feels that the drum majorette teams create a safe and empowering space for South Africa’s young women and girls. Each team has its own individual style, here Hilary Kernal is seen sporting one of the Elgin Majorettes’ signature feathered caps designed by their coach, Rehard Smith. Grabouw, 2018.

In conclusion, according to Mann, the drum majorette teams foster a strong sense of belonging among the girls. During her two years spent on this project, she witnessed their transformation into confident young women, showcasing the profound impact of such programs.

According to Mann the teams give the girls a sense of belonging. During the two years she spent on the project she noticed them transform into confident young women. Pictured here are the Dr Van Der Ross Primary Drum Majorettes, Cape Town, 2017
According to Mann the teams give the girls a sense of belonging. During the two years she spent on the project she noticed them transform into confident young women. Pictured here are the Dr Van Der Ross Primary Drum Majorettes, Cape Town, 2017.


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