Umdumo Wesizwe presents...

Qo

Umdumo Wesizwe, meaning ‘sound of the nation’, hail from Zimbabwe’s townships.

This a cappella group sing songs of love, hope, worship, courtship, hardship and African social commentary, the group has managed to curve a name for themselves in the World music circuit.  

The traditional music sung by Umdumo Wesizwe is called ‘isichathamiya’ (is-cot-a-me-ya) also known as ‘imbube’. The music was born in the mines of South Africa. Black workers were taken by rail to work far away from their homes and their families. Poorly housed and paid worse, they would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the early hours every Sunday morning. There began a fierce but social competition held regularly and a highlight of everyone's social calendar. The winners were awarded a goat for their efforts and, of course, the adoration of their fans.  

Umdumo Wesizwe have created their own style of imbube, which has been christened "igusheshe,"  this is imbube music that is laced with other music styles such as R n B, Jazz, Kwaito and Reggae.  

Umdumo has performed live music coupled with thought provoking lyrics and well-choreographed dances and movements to appreciative audiences at prestigious functions, venues and festivals in the UK during their debut tour in 2007. They returned as a 10 piece to launch their new show and CD called “Qo” in the UK and parts of Europe in 2008.  

Suitable For: All

www.umdumowesizwe.com

Venues

There are no upcoming performances