Zimbabwe-based performers likened to the acclaimed South African group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
By Gillian Brunette
Black Umfolosi is an internationally acclaimed harmonic a capella singing and traditional African dance group based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Their dynamic, colourful performances showcase the traditional dancing styles of the southern African region, as well as the more contemporary styles and movements they have personally developed. Likened to Ladysmith Black Mambazo of South Africa, Black Umfolosi tours extensively from their homeland to the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts brings Black Umfolosi to the Algonquin Theatre on Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m.
GUMBOOTERS: Black Umfolosi, Zimbabwe’s favourite a capella and traditional African dance group, appears at the Algonquin Theatre on March 1. Tickets are $25.
Black Umfolosi was first formed in March 1982 at the George Silundika Primary School in Ntabazinduna. This was a new boarding school without facilities to entertain children during weekends. One evening, around the campfire, children started singing community songs. This was enjoyed so much by both the children and school staff that the formation of a school choir was put forward.
On March 15, 1982, those who attended the school were put on a register and a rehearsal schedule was put in place. About 35 students were involved.
The following year, the school relocated to a town 57 kilometres west of Bulawayo, where the choir continued to sing under the direction of Jupitor Jonz. It was through him that the name Black Umfolosi was chosen from a long list of suggestions.
The name is taken from a river in Natal province of South Africa. Rivers are important to the African way of life, providing water to animals, birds, plants and people. It was decided that Black Umfolosi would reach people with the same positive effect.
The school played a big role in the formation of the group, providing transport for the first Black Umfolosi trips to nearby schools for performances.
The group, much loved around the world, offers its sweet sounds of a capella with marvellous harmonies, gospel singing, plus captivating dancing, including the gumboot dancing of South Africa. Black Umfolosi delivers a performance with fun and joyful enthusiasm. These bare-torsoed, hard-hatted performers never fail to captivate their audiences and encourage them on to the stage to join in the performance.
“There is no doubt that anyone interested in the shimmering vocal harmonies and compulsive rhythms which characterize South African vocal harmony groups will be mesmerized by Black Umfolosi,” noted a review in Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald.
Tickets for Black Umfolosi are $25 for adults and $15 for youth under 18, plus GST, and are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, by calling 789-4975, or online at www.algonquintheatre.ca.
