The rhythm of Limpopo is like no other because of its eclectic spirit fusing Tsonga, Venda and Shangaan cultures. The Sights and sounds of Mbhokota Tour shows visitors just how Mbhokota, like the rest of the province, is a unique place that marches to its own drum beat. The dynamic teacher, musician and sculptor, Lucky Ntimani welcomes us to the Tinyiko Art Centre where his students make music from uniquely carved drums, marimbas, mbiras and a novel instrument made out of upside-down tin plates on the springs of an old chair. Lucky teaches young girls and boys traditional African songs and dances, adding a modern twist to the words and rhythms. Along with a young multi-talented, Gift Mkhari, Lucky has encouraged creativity and originality from this group of youngsters. He has nurtured their talents and given them pride in their cultural roots. Lucky, Gift and the group spur us on and ask us to join them as they play on their instruments and belt out some beautiful melodies. The jam session produces our own unique song.

We stroll down to Pilato Bulala's nearby home-studio in Tshivuyuni Village where he is hard at work on his next creation. This young man is pushing artistic boundaries with his sculptures made from old pieces of scrap metal and bits of machinery, that he has cleverly named, “Scraptures”. Pilato’s work is characterised by a varied mix of styles and artistic media, and ranges from a working car complete with bicycle wheels and a sound system to traditional figures made from wheel sprockets to delicate jewelry created from cold-drink cans. Here is a young inventor-creator who makes magic out of metal others throw away.

Later as the sun begins to gradually take its leave from the sky, we head to the Vutsila Mountain Art School, home of sculptor, musician and teacher, Thomas Kubayi for a musical soul-session under the spreading Marula Tree. By the time we arrive, the sun is turning the sky a hundred shades of orange and the band is setting up on Thomas' hand-carved benches around a crackling log fire. As Thomas explains how to play the Dembe calabash with a bow and the Khora harp, the Marimba and drums start up the ancient rhythms, and thus begin the sunset sessions. The talented young musicians, Gift Mkhari and Kenny Nonyana jump in, seamlessly bringing together the harmonies and melodies of Shangaan and Venda music. Story telling and praise singing are at the heart of the sessions and create a powerful experience for all involved. The sun eventually dips below the horizon leaving us under the charge of the stars. The music carries on well after sunset as we find ourselves singing and dancing under the African night sky. The sundowners are traditional ingredients with a modern twist and are washed down with traditional beer in a calabash pot and keep the spirits high and the music raging for a little while longer.