U’zambezi – modern-day imbube musicians

s blend seamlessly with rich a cappella harmonies.
This form of a cappella song is known as ‘imbube’ and is sung mostly in Zulu. With its origins in the 1920s, when choirs such as ‘Crocodile’ and ‘Durban Evening Birds’ were founded in South Africa, modern day imbube lyrics explore key social issues such as war, suffering, love, religion and famine.
U’zambezi animate their songs with traditional dancing, ululation and African drumming. Their most recent performance was at the Orange Street music club in Canterbury last weekend. They offered a passion-fuelled recital in an intimate club setting with gum-boot dancing, traditional song and hip hop – to name a few of their acts. The group has played for dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. They have also contributed to events such as the Global Bandstand, where they were hailed as, ‘the equivalent of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’ (Global Bandstand Review).
As well as offering unforgettable performances U’zambezi works with ‘Music for Change’, an educational charity based in the United Kingdom that organizes arts-based workshops to promote awareness and respect for cultural diversity. The group views their work as a powerful vehicle for addressing social issues and breaking down barriers of intolerance between different cultures.
U’zambezi is available for weddings and special events. For more information on this and upcoming events visit www.luckymoyo.com and for information regarding ‘Music for Change’ workshops visit www.musicforchange.org.