Zulu

:This article is about the African ethnic group. For other meanings, see Zulu (disambiguation).

Zulu music

The singing styles of the Zulu people and their Nguni heritage are worthy of special mention. As in much of Africa, music is highly regarded, enabling the communication of emotions and situations which could not be explained by talking. Zulu music incorporates rhythm, melody and harmony — the latter is usually dominant and known as "isigubudu" (which can be translated as converging horns on a beast, with tips touching the animal, a spiralling inward that reflects inner feelings).

Related Topics:
Nguni - Isigubudu

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Maskandi and Mbhaqanga are other Zulu music genres. Notable Maskandi musicians include Phuzekhemisi and Mfazomnyama.

Related Topics:
Maskandi - Mbhaqanga - Phuzekhemisi - Mfazomnyama

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Zulu music has also been carried worldwide, often by white musicians using Zulu backing singers, or performing songs by Zulu composers. Examples of the former are Paul Simon and South African Johnny Clegg. Examples of the latter are the song "Wimoweh" and several tunes on the first album by Bow Wow Wow. In the case of both Bow Wow Wow and to a lesser extent "Wimoweh", the original Zulu musicians went largely unidentified and uncompensated by the white musicians.

Related Topics:
Paul Simon - Johnny Clegg - Wimoweh - Bow Wow Wow

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The internationally successful Zulu group Ladysmith Black Mambazo are among the artists who have made Zulu musical traditions known throughout the world. After contributing to Paul Simon's Graceland album they have toured the world with numerous stars and received two Grammy Awards.

Related Topics:
Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Paul Simon - Graceland - Grammy Award

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