HARARE - World-famous a capella and dance troupe Black Umfolosi delighted their audience at the Cherry Burton Village Hall after a sudden change of venue over safety concerns.Black Umfolosis performance in the UK town of Driffield, near York, was saved after a structural problem with the original venue left the group considering cancelling a performance. A local arts group came to the rescue after problems with the roof of St Michael and All Angels Church meant the Voices of Africa concert could no longer be performed there in complete safety.
While in the area, Umfolosi also led workshops for schools in neighbouring villages.
Black Umfolosis performances are hugely energetic, mixing a gentleness of spirit and song with an exuberance in dance. Their trademark harmonies mix with intricate rhythms, clicking and clapping during their brilliantly choreographed shows.
Their famous gumboot dances, performed recently on the Paul OGrady TV show, showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions and are a particular crowd-pleaser.
Their experiences in the troubled area around their base in Bulawayo would be inspirational enough for most songwriters. However, with their usual optimism, the group prefers to sing of the joys of life. Most tracks on the recent album were penned by Thomeki Dube and Sotsha Moyo, the two original members of the group and the driving force behind Black Umfolosis continuing success. As school friends, they formed the group in 1982 and named it after the Umfolozi Omnyama, the river in South Africa to where their ancestors can be traced.
Cherry Burton arts organiser Jayne Scott said: These are seriously nice people and amazing live performers. When we heard the church had problems, we didnt hesitate in taking this on board. We were very pleased to see them back again.
Post published in: Music