Black Umfolosi

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Thursday, November 26th, 2009
8:00 PM

Singing as schoolboys back in 1982, Black Umfolosi has become Zimbabwe’s premier harmonic a capella and dance troupe. Based in Bulawayo, the internationally acclaimed group sings a potent mix of haunting “Imbube” (or choral music of South Africa) songs that address human concerns –love, family, and spirit - as well as contemporary problems – war, apartheid, AIDS, and the environment.

Their sweet, hymn-like vocal harmonies contrast with their energetic and exuberant dancing- a combination of Zulu warrior dances and gumboot dancing, a rhythmic clogging that arose out of the mining areas of South Africa. Performances are filled with African rhythms, clicking, clapping, leaping, and the occasional high kick, delivered with their trademark joyful enthusiasm. This bare torsoed, hard-hatted group never fails to captivate and engage their audience with their fun and infectious spirit!

Black Umfolosi is much more than a performing group, they are also active in training the community, particularly youth, in dance and voice. Aiming to give back what they have themselves received, Black Umfolosi have set up foundations and training programs to provide workshops in universities, schools, hospitals, prisons, community centres and art institutions in Zimbabwe and abroad.

For more info on Black Umfolosi visit http://www.jproductions.com/bu.html.