Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu, a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Folk Heritage Fellow, is a master of New Orleans Indigenous Masking Society suit design, an art form rooted in the city’s Indigenous and African culture. Trained under Chief Darryl Montana, son of Chief Tootie Montana, Zulu excels in the “downtown” suit-making tradition, known for its three-dimensional designs. As Big Chief of the Golden Feather Hunters, his intricate suits, requiring a year of sewing and design, are showcased during Mardi Gras, St. Joseph’s Night, and Super Sunday.

In addition to suit design, Zulu preserves the West African tradition of stilt dancing, which symbolizes balance and success. Initiated into this sacred art over 40 years ago, he innovatively adapted it to include women by creating a stilt dancing entity for his daughter, Free Spirit. This adaptation underscores his commitment to cultural preservation and modern inclusivity.

Zulu’s work extends beyond performance; he deconstructs his masking suits to create limited edition framed artworks sold in galleries and at festivals. His dedication to teaching ensures that the rich traditions of the New Orleans Indigenous Masking Society and stilt dancing continue to thrive across generations.

Being a Taproot artist means receiving profound recognition for my dedication to preserving and promoting the New Orleans Indigenous Masking Society traditions and stiltdancing. This award empowers me to continue my practices with enhanced resources and support, allowing for greater community engagement and cultural transmission. It signifies a validation of my role as a cultural leader and a bridge between generations, ensuring that our rich heritage is sustained and celebrated. The fellowship provides the opportunity to amplify my impact, foster intergenerational collaboration, and promote cultural resilience within my community. This honor strengthens my commitment to cultural preservation.