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Who is Umdumo Wesizwe?  THE GROUP Umdumo Wesizwe (Sound of the nation) is a music ensemble which is made up of talented young men. The ensemble was formed in August 1994 in Bulawayo's Nkulumane suburb Zimbabwe. THE MUSIC Umdumo Wesizwe performs Imbube music and over the years they have shrugged barriers to create 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 THE PERFOMANCES Umdumo has performed live music coupled with thought provoking and well-choreographed dances and movements to appreciative audiences at prestigious functions, venues and festivals around Zimbabwe and Southern Africa performing for both local and foreign audiences. IMBUBE 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 wee 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. Imbube has been made popular in the west by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Zimbabwe's Black Umfolosi and the Austrian based trio Insingizi. PROFILE Umdumo Wesizwe has shared the stage with numerous artists from around Africa; some of these include Zimbabwe's own Siyaya, Black Umfolosi, Aleck Macheso, Jeys Marabini, Imbizo and Oliver Mtukudzi. Umdumo is well traveled in Southern Africa having toured their native Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. The group has been invited to perform at many special occasions. One recent event, was to perform at The NAMA (National Arts Merit Awards) on Zimbabwe's national television in February 2006. CDs In 2005 Umdumo Wesizwe recorded their debut CD called "Nqingqo" and was released on SMP Records in 2006.  |
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